A performance of Mendelssohn's oratorio Elijah next month is incredibly timely, Armidale musician Deirdre Waters said.
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The Armidale Choral Society and Armidale Symphony Orchestra will perform the 1846 work Elijah at UNE, on Saturday, December 1.
The oratorio describes the triumph of the Jewish prophet Elijah over the worshippers of Baal, his persecution by Jezebel, and ascent to heaven in a fiery chariot.
"New England and a large part of New South Wales are in severe drought, fires and smoke haze, and desperately need rain," Mrs Waters said.
"In the Old Testament story of Elijah, there were also severe drought and famine. Prayers for rain were a solution - but whose God would listen?"
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Two Opera Australia artists will travel from Melbourne to sing the main roles. Baritone Sitiveni Talei will sing Elijah, and Kent McIntosh the tenor part. They are joined by Armidale soprano Leanne Roobol and alto Inge Southcott.
Four members of the Sydney-based Acacia Quartet will lead the string sections of the orchestra, and present a concert at NECOM on the Friday evening before.
Violinist Colin Sholl will be joined by son David and grandson Kevin, also violinists, who will travel from the USA to play.
Chorists from Tamworth, Inverell, and Uralla will join the Armidale Choral Society.
"Perhaps the success of Elijah's story will relieve our drought-stricken communities," Mrs Waters said.
The concert begins at 3pm on Sunday, December 1, at Lazenby Hall, UNE. Book online through TryBooking: https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=564530
