The West Virginia University Choral Area will present Mendelssohn’s triumphant oratorioElijahat 3:15 p.m. Sunday, April 23, in the Lyell B. Clay Concert Theatre of the Creative Arts Center.

Professional bass-baritone Stafford Turner will sing the title role and Rebecca Turner, assistant professor of voice at WVU , will sing the role of the widow. Other soloists will include WVU Division of Music students Christina Romich, Jennifer McCarthy, Emily Lapisardi, Joshua Jannotta, Daniel Salls and Sarah Lynch.

The work will be accompanied by WVU professor of organ William Haller, with doctoral students Marguerite Bostonia and Krista Shinew.

WVU doctoral students Brent Alexander, Jason Keefer and Keith McCarthy will share conducting duties with Kathleen Shannon, associate professor of music and director of choral activities. The Community Chorus of Southwest Virginia Community College will join the WVU Choral Area for this performance.

This action-packed work for choir and soloists recalls the Old Testament story of Elijah the prophet. In Part I, Elijah, critical of the apparent faithlessness of the people of Israel, causes a three-year drought, takes on the priests of the pagan god Baal, escapes death and finally entreats the Lord to send rain upon the land.

Part II finds Elijah being challenged by Queen Jezebel, pagan wife of King Ahab. She plots his murder and sends her minions to accomplish it. Escaping to the desert, Elijah spends time in reflection. The Lord sends a fiery chariot in a whirlwind to take Elijah to heaven. The oratorio closes with an affirmation of the triumph of good over evil.

For tickets and information, call the WVU Box Office at (304) 293-SHOW.