In 1997 Soli Deo Gloria co-sponsored several performances of sacred works by Felix Mendelssohn. The first of these performances took place in Kiev, Ukraine, as part of Soli Deo Gloria's Project Uplift initiative. The concert, made possible through a partnership with Music Mission Kiev, showcased the Kiev Symphonic Choir and Orchestra in a performance of Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 2 (Hymn of Praise),
and Symphony No. 5 (Reformation).
Shortly thereafter, Soli Deo Gloria assisted in another performance of Mendelssohn's 2nd and 5th symphonies, this time in New York City's Carnegie Hall. Cooperating with Calvary Baptist Church in their 150th anniversary year, John Nelson led the New York Concert Singers, the Orchestra of St. Luke's, and soloists Juliana Gondek, Sheryl Woods and Frank Lapardo in a sold out performance that met with critical acclaim. Said the New York Times: "...all hands contributed much to performances that exuded the fervor of the faith that the works proclaimed."
Carnegie Hall (right)
Later in the year, Soli Deo Gloria collaborated with the Wheaton College Conservatory of Music in two performances of Mendelssohn's powerful oratorio Elijah. The performances took place on the campus of Wheaton College and featured the combined forces of the college choirs and orchestra as well as the West Suburban Choral Union and soloists, Jubilant Sykes, Sheryl Woods, Anita Krause, and Bruce Johnson all under the direction of John Nelson. The event was so successful that Soli Deo Gloria and Wheaton College established a commitment to collaborate on a concert event every four years.
