A Chance ‘Elijah’ Reunion Links Sheffield and Leeds Singers

03 June 2026
We were delighted to be reunited last night with members of Leeds Festival Chorus as we prepared for Sunday’s concert of Mendelssohn’s Elijah with the Hallé at Sheffield City Hall.

Marianne Grayson and Christian White reunite at Elijah rehearsal, Sheffield, 2 June 2026

The reunion was especially poignant for our alto Marianne Grayson, as Mendelssohn’s Elijah holds a very special place in her heart.

Marianne’s mother sang in a fully staged and costumed production of Elijah in Norwich Cathedral in 1983, complete with Calor gas flames for the fiery chariot. The production involved an offstage chorus of hundreds, an enormous orchestra, dozens of ballet dancers, and sell-out audiences throughout its week-long run.

Photo of actors and singers on the stagem fully costumed, in Norwich Opera’s 1983 production of Mendelssohn’s Elijah, directed by Richard White, Norwich Cathedral. Credit: Claxton Opera — Norwich Opera’s 1983 production of Mendelssohn’s Elijah, directed by Richard White, Norwich Cathedral. Credit: Claxton Opera

Last night, Marianne was reunited with Christian White, the man whose father, Richard White, conceived and directed that memorable performance. Christian White and his wife are among the 90 members of Leeds Festival Chorus joining forces with us for Sunday’s concert.

“We were delighted to recognise each other, even though I don’t think I’ve seen him since I babysat him as a teenager!” said Marianne.

Photo of the poster for Norwich Opera’s 1983 production of Mendelssohn’s Elijah, directed by Richard White, Norwich Cathedral. Credit: Claxton Opera — Credit: Claxton Opera

Christian also has fond memories of the Norwich performance in which he and his siblings sang and played the child parts. Marianne remembers Richard White, former director Norfolk Opera director, as “a whirlwind of a man” – a fitting connection to Elijah’s ascent to heaven in a whirlwind at the climax of Mendelssohn’s masterpiece.

Marianne’s mother attended our 2009 performance of Elijah shortly before her death. This Sunday, Marianne will sing the work once again, alongside someone whose family shares an equally close connection to the piece.

For Marianne, the reunion was a reminder that music can be a thread running through our lives, connecting people, memories and experiences across the years.

We’d love to hear from any other singers or audience members who have their own Elijah stories to share.

MENDELSSOHN Elijah
The Hallé, Sheffield Philharmonic Chorus & Leeds Festival Chorus, conducted by Matthew Hamilton
Sunday 7 June 2026, 4pm (pre-concert talk 3pm)
Sheffield City Hall

Tickets: Via City Hall Box Office