WEDNESDAY
April 8, 2026
12 p.m.
Kopleff Recital Hall
Shaun Gibbons, Kelly Grba, Madison Tiegreen, Liana Perlman, Margot Cohen, Nathan Schreer & Carolyn Mielke, conductors
Vocal Soloists: Blair Lipham, Soprano Madison Chambers, Mezzo-Soprano Trevor Kytola, Tenor Ben Varner, Bass
A Short intro to Elijah...
Felix Mendelssohn’s Elijah is a dramatic 1846 oratorio detailing the life of the biblical prophet, premiering in Birmingham, England. Known for its powerful choral writing, operatic solo parts, and intense orchestration, it is widely considered a cornerstone of 19th-century choral music. Like most oratorios, Elijah is based on a Biblical story, this one from the Book of Kings. The prophet Elijah has predicted a drought: punishment for those who worship the false God Baal. This includes King Ahab’s wife, Jezebel. After Elijah is proved right, he persuades the People to repent – and to kill Baal’s prophets. Their faith is rewarded with storm clouds and rain. But Jezebel, furious, forces Elijah into exile. Alone and hopeless in the wilderness, Elijah is consoled first by angels and then – after a mighty storm, an earthquake and a fire – by God himself. Following his trials, Elijah is whisked up to heaven in a fiery chariot. His return is prophesied, and we end with a profound reflection on the glory of God and a triumphant ‘Amen’.
-Notes from London Symphony Orchestra
What might you recognize from Elijah?
Here's the official recording of the Part II Chorus: “He, watching over Israel” featuring Altanta's renowned Robert Shaw and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra...
What is oratorio?
Similar to opera, an oratorio includes the use of a choir, soloists, an instrumental ensemble, various distinguishable characters (soloists), and arias. The chorus often assumes a more central dramatic role, and the work is typically presented as a concert piece without staging. An oratorio you probably know is Handel's Messiah—the large piece that includes the famous Hallelujah Chorus!
Mix-and-match roles
Elijah contains eight named roles, performed by four soloists: Elijah (baritone), prophet and the hero of the story. Obadiah (tenor), head of King Ahab’s household and a fellow devoted believer in God. An Angel (mezzo-soprano), one of two to appear to Elijah. The Widow (soprano), who shelters Elijah, and whose son he resurrects. Ahab (tenor), King of the Israelites. The Youth (soprano or treble), first to spot rain clouds on the horizon. The Queen, Jezebel (mezzo-soprano), a worshipper of Baal who turns against Elijah, ordering his execution. The Angel (soprano), who comforts Elijah in the wilderness, directing him to Mount Horeb where he sees God. Meanwhile the chorus acts as both The People and as a commentator on the drama itself, as in ancient Greek theatre.
SOLOISTS
Blair Lipham, soprano
American soprano Blair Lipham is quickly establishing herself as a compelling presence on the operatic stage. In 2025, she made her international debut in Italy with Fondazione Pergolesi Spontini, appearing in Giovanni Paisiello’s rarely performed opera Le Gare Generose. This season, Lipham joins The Atlanta Opera as the comprimario role of Prima Ancella in a brand new production of Turandot. She also recently made both her role and company debut with Capitol City Opera as Musetta in La Bohème. Her artistry was recognized at the Metropolitan Opera’s Laffont Competition, where she received an Encouragement Award in the Georgia District. A dedicated interpreter of sacred and concert repertoire, Lipham has recently appeared as the soprano soloist in Mozart’s Requiem and will perform the soprano solo in Mendelssohn’s Elijah this spring. Her concert work also includes covering the soprano soloist in Barber’s Knoxville: Summer of 1915 with the Georgia Philharmonic. Her recent operatic roles include Micaëla in Carmen, Nedda in Pagliacci, and Rosalinde in Die Fledermaus with the Georgia State Opera Theatre. She has also appeared with the chorus of The Atlanta Opera in several recent productions. Lipham holds a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from Georgia State University and a Bachelor of Music from Vanderbilt University.
Madison Chambers, mezzo-soprano
Madison Chambers is a passionate and dedicated mezzo-soprano in the studio of Kathryn Hartgrove. She is an avid performer of opera, performing many roles both at GSU and at young artists programs around the country. Her talent has been recognized by the Houston Grand Opera, where she was chosen to attend their prestigious Young Artist Vocal Academy, and by many competitions including the Metropolitan Opera Laffont competition, and the Opera Guild of Atlanta scholarship competition. After GSU, Madison plans on getting her Master’s degree in Voice Performance and pursuing a career as an opera singer.
Ben Varner, bass
Ben Varner is a dynamic up-and-coming baritone hailing from Savannah, GA and currently based in Atlanta, GA. His musical journey began at a young age with piano studies, and now has an intense focus on operatic training. He is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in vocal performance at Georgia State University, studying voice in the studio of Rick Clement, and is expected to graduate in the spring of 2027. He is also a regular participant in the university opera, having played such roles as Frank in the spring 2025 production of Die Fledermaus, and is now performing in the GSU Opera's fall production of The Consul as Mr. Kofner, in addition to covering John Sorel. He has held staff singer positions in local churches such as St. Luke's Episcopal Church, in addition to participating in the chorus of The Atlanta Opera in past productions such as Macbeth, and the upcoming Spring 2026 productions of Turandot and Götterdämmerung.
GRADUATE CONDUCTORS
Click their names for their bios