Performances on October 25 & 26, 2012 Only

Contact: Jason Harris, 212-838-0808, jharris@centralchurchnyc.org

NEW YORK, Oct. 4, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- Central Presbyterian Church ("Central"), an Upper East Side, New York church in a dynamic phase of renewal, will present "Elijah," Felix Mendelssohn's crowning, compositional achievement, featuring Mark Delavan, critically acclaimed Metropolitan Opera baritone. For two nights only, all are invited to attend this exquisite orchestral and chorale performance on October 25-26 at 7:30 p.m. at the historic Central Presbyterian Church located at 593 Park Ave., New York, NY.

Delavan is a veteran and favorite at the New York City Opera and the Metropolitan Opera ('Met"). In addition to Delavan as Elijah, the soloist ensemble will also include three other Met artists: tenor John Easterlin as Ahab, soprano Molly Fillmore, and mezzo-soprano MaryAnn McCormick. Elijah will be conducted by Central's very own Dr. Seth Ward and performed by the esteemed Central Church Chorale and Orchestra.

"We are excited to present these accomplished and internationally renowned solo artists to perform two evenings of this glorious masterwork," said Seth Ward, Central's music director. "By God's grace, Central's music ministry is gaining terrific momentum. Our musicians are among the most gifted in the city, an exceptional caliber of talent that truly moves the spirit."

Mendelssohn was initially inspired to write his monumental work, "Elijah," after reading a single passage of scripture: "And behold, the Lord passed by." The entire work captures the inspired vision of that scene and seamlessly weaves the passion and drama of romantic opera with the refined fire and eloquence of Baroque oratorio.

Reverend Jason Harris said, "Mark Delavan and I have collaborated together in the past, and I am absolutely thrilled that he will play the lead role in Central's performance of 'Elijah.' Mark not only possesses a rich, powerful voice and a commanding presence, but he shares a passionate commitment to the gospel, to which the story of Elijah points. As always, our music director, Seth Ward, continues to find creative ways not merely to deepen our appreciation for sacred music but to lead us into a transformative act of worship. We welcome everyone to join us for this dramatic orchestral and chorale event and share in the experience of worship and celebration we've cultivated at Central."

Tickets are available online for $50 at www.centralchurchnyc.org, or by calling 212-838-0808. Tickets can also be purchased at the door for $60. Doors open at 7:00 p.m.

Don't miss this very special event, get your tickets today!

About Central Presbyterian Church
Central Presbyterian Church, located at 593 Park Avenue at 64th Street on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, was established in 1821 in a schoolroom on Mulberry Street. Central’s current building was constructed in 1922 as the original home for Park Avenue Baptist Church with funding provided by John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Central held its first service at its Park Avenue location on Sunday, September 22, 1929.

Central is committed to building a strong community of faith in Jesus Christ that enables people from diverse backgrounds to experience the transformative power of the gospel through insightful teaching, expressive worship, authentic prayer and meaningful relationships. At the same time, we aim to provide a setting in which people who are undecided about their religious commitments may freely investigate the claims of Christianity. Together, we strive to serve the people of New York in humility and love so that we might have a positive impact on the world around us.

We invite you to explore our church to learn more about our mission. Please visit us at www.centralchurchnyc.org.