Choir: Hong Kong Oratorio Society

Orchestra: Hong Kong Strings

Saint Paul as Mendelssohn's first oratorio. It was first performed in Düsseldorf on 22 May 1836, with an orchestra of 172 and chorus of 364. After its première, Saint Paul at once achieved numerous triumphant performances abroad. Most of the lyrics come from Paul's deeds in the Bible's "Acts of the Apostles", and some are also taken from Paul's letters, "Psalms" and prophetic books. It was conceived in 2 parts. Part I, illustrates the persecution of Stephen, the appearance of Christ before Saul (Paul's name before trust in Jesus) on the road to Damascus and his conversion. Part II of the oratorio continues with missionary journeys of Paul and Barnabas from Syria, Asia and Achaia, Paul's continuous persecution by the Jews, and finally Paul's parting words to all believers when he prepared to go to Jerusalem for his martyrdom. We will hear one of the oratorio's best-loved choruses, "How lovely are the messengers" in part II. Mendelssohn's Saint Paul and Elijah, these two oratorio becoming the representative works of the times to achieve lasting popularity.