Salisbury Musical Society: Elgar The Apostles

About the Concert Programme

This is a truly magnificent oratorio. Majestic and triumphant, dark and dramatic, tender and lyrical; yet, remarkably, The Apostles, one of Elgar’s great choral masterpieces, is not frequently performed. Why?

Because it is wonderfully ambitious! The sheer scale of the work demands an impressive musical force: a large and accomplished choir, a professional symphony orchestra and six talented soloists. It also calls for a space capable of embracing Elgar’s richly coloured orchestration: from warm, luminous strings and expressive woodwind to powerful brass and dramatic percussion, alongside the full grandeur of the chorus.

And what better setting could there be than…Salisbury Cathedral?

Elgar was fascinated by the idea that the Apostles were not just biblical figures; he felt that they should be viewed instead, like you and me, as just ordinary people. They were full of hopes, fears, doubts, weaknesses and conflicting personalities who suddenly found themselves at the centre of extraordinary events.

One of the strengths of this choral work is there is a genuine narrative arc. Starting with the calling of the apostles; then their sense of expectation and growing belief; Jesus’s teaching and ministry; then the betrayal of Judas and the Crucifixion. It ends with the Resurrection and the apostles’ transformation.

At the heart of this oratorio are two very different journeys: Mary Magdalene finds forgiveness, while Judas cannot believe that forgiveness is possible. Elgar’s portrayal of Judas is one of the most psychologically complex and compelling aspects of the work. He is presented not simply as a figure of evil, but as a deeply conflicted, passionate and ultimately tragic human being.

Elgar’s portrayal of Mary Magdalene is one of the most tender and deeply human elements of the work. She is a flawed human being, yet her encounter with Jesus profoundly transforms her. Through music of great warmth, lyricism and emotional intensity, Elgar portrays her journey from a life of worldly passion towards love, repentance and spiritual renewal.

Join Salisbury Musical Society for this rare opportunity to experience Elgar’s The Apostles in a glorious cathedral setting that will bring Elgar’s masterpiece vividly to life.

This event is organised by an external provider and not by Salisbury Cathedral.

For ticketing and enquiries, please contact the organiser directly:

www.salisburymusicalsociety.org.uk | 07901 717819