Solomon

Handel: Solomon

Gabrieli Consort & Players

Conductor: Paul McCreesh

One of Handel's finest masterpieces, Solomon is the most sensuous of his biblical oratorios. Magnificent choruses alternate with rapturous, intimate love music, as at the end of Act I, when Solomon beckons his Queen to the cedar grove. Act II concerns Solomon's wisdom in resolving a dispute between two women claiming motherhood of the same baby. Act III opens with the ever-popular Arrival of the Queen of Sheba, portraying the Queen's amazement at the splendor of Solomon's court (Handel paying astute homage to George II).

This concert performance marks the start of Gabrieli's European tour, including Valencia's Palau de la Música and the Royal Chapel, Château de Versailles. Countertenor Tim Mead ("dark lustre in his voice" - The Times) take the the title role in an all-star cast:

Solomon: Tim Mead Solomon’s Queen: Rowan Pierce 1st Harlot: Hilary Cronin 2nd Harlot: Frances Gregory Queen of Sheba: Anna Dennis Zadok: James Way A Levite: Morgan Pearse

A very special opportunity to hear this extraordinary work in one of London's finest Georgian-style halls.

Duration: approximately 3 hours 30 minutes (including two intervals) .

Catering packages (refreshments during the intervals) will be announced in due course.