THE 2025 Edinburgh International Festival (EIF) explored its theme of “The truth We seek”, in many performances, but perhaps most notably in the closing concert: a performance of Mendelssohn’s Elijah. The text itself seeks the truth!
There was also an opportunity for people to seek their inner voices by joining in by singing at a special performance.
The concert was primarily a showcase for the Edinburgh International Festival Chorus (EIFC). Celebrating its 60th year, it was in fine voice, honed to the highest level by James Grossmith, its choral director. There were many choral entries in which to delight. There were also many instances of antiphonal singing which were delicately and yet firmly projected.
As in previous years, the EIF has sought out emerging musical talents. This year those musicians were singers, several of whom performed vocal solos in this closing performance of Elijah.
The Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO), conducted by Thomas Søndergård, played with stamina throughout, but both the music and the singing seemed lacking in intuition and emotion. The performance seemed somewhat literal. Perhaps being sung in an English translation affected the usual flow and intonation.
Special mention, however, must be given to the double basses, who underpinned the dramatic moments of biblical unrest. The brass playing at the opening of Part One and the woodwind introduction to Part Two were delightful and memorable.
The many vocal soloists deserve great praise. Perhaps the exquisite solo cello accompaniment to “It is enough”, sung by Elijah, was for me the greatest reward from the entire evening.
The performance was enthusiastically received by the packed audience in the Usher Hall.
