Past Events

Georg Friedrich Händel: Solomon, HWV 67 (oratorio in three acts)

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 end of Gabrieli’s European tour, including London’s Inner Temple Hall and the Royal Chapel, Château de Versailles. Countertenor Tim Mead (“dark lustre in his voice” – The Times) takes the title role in an all-star cast:

Tim Mead Solomon
Rowan Pierce The Queen
Hilary Cronin First Harlot
Frances Gregory Second Harlot
Anna Dennis Queen of Sheba
James Way Zadok
Morgan Pearse A Levite

Gabrieli Consort and Players
Paul McCreesh Conductor

“His honeyed tone once again seduced”

~ Backtrack – on Tim Mead

“A creative chameleon … she has brought extraordinary technique, musicianship and versatility to the widest array of achievements … everything she touches bursts with colour”

~ Royal Philharmonic Society – on Anna Dennis