Sydney Philharmonia Choirs Presents
ChorusOz 2018: G.F. Handel's dramatic oratorio 'SAUL'
10 June 2018, 5 P.M. SundayConcert Hall, Sydney Opera House
It's again that time of the year in June when hundreds of passionate singers from interstate and all
over the world join the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs choristers for the annual ChorusOz weekend of singing, fun and
friendship, finishing with a performance on the world-famous Sydney Opera House Concert Hall with a professional orchestra and soloists. Briefly, Handel's Oratorio 'SAUL'
George Frideric Handel's Saul, HWV 53, is a dramatic oratorio in three acts with a libretto by Charles Jennens. Taken from the First Book of Samuel, the story of Saul focuses on the first king of Israel's relationship with his eventual successor, David, one which turns from admiration to envy and hatred, ultimately leading to the downfall of the eponymous monarch, Saul. Handel composed it in 1738, including the famous "Dead March", a funeral anthem for Saul and his son Jonathan, and some of Handel's most dramatic choral pieces. Saul was first performed at the Kind's Theatre in London on 16th January 1739. The work was a success at its London premiere and was revived by Handel in subsequent seasons.
Insights on the Program Repertoire from Brett Weymark, Sydney Philharmonia Choir's Music Director:
A king, his successor and a friendship transformed into a deadly rivalry. Handel’s oratorio is one of his most grand and gripping dramas.
Against a backdrop of splendid choruses, arias and spectacular instrumental fireworks, Handel explores the tumultuous relationship between Saul, first king of the Israelites, his successor, David. Handel’s instinct for vivid characterisation and profound psychological insight yields music of rare beauty and intensity. Handel scholar Winston Dean calls it ‘one of the supreme masterpieces of dramatic art comparable with the works of Sophocles and Shakespeare'.
This first of Handel’s great oratorios, Saul is freely adapted from the Old Testament Book of Samuel, brilliantly embroidered by his frequent collaborator Charles Jennens. After David slays the Philistine giant Goliath, David is hailed at the court of King Saul. Admiration turns to jealousy and Saul orders his son Jonathan to kill David. Touching on themes of love in conflict with loyalty and the bitter costs of power, the story of Saul retains a powerful contemporary resonance. Adelaide Festival's recent staging inspired a new appreciation of Handel’s spectacular score and the strength of its drama.
SPC's ChorusOz 2018 offering:
George Frideric HANDEL: Oratorio 'SAUL'
Handel Saul (90-minute abridged version)
Brett Weymark conductor
Lorina Gore soprano
Lorina Gore soprano
Penelope Mills soprano
Nicholas Tolputt counter-tenor
Brad Cooper tenor
Simon Lobelson bass
Chorus Oz Choir
Chorus Oz Choir
Running time: 1 hour and 30 minutes.There will be no interval
Suggested Listening from YouTube:
Handel / Saul HWV (Rene Jacob). YouTube, uploaded by scrymgeour34. Accessed June 5, 2018. Michal (soprano) - Rosemary Joshua, Merab (soprano) - Emma Bell, David (countertenor) - Lawrence Zazzo, Jonathan (tenor) - Jeremy Ovenden, High Priest/Witch of Endor (tenor) - Michael Slattery, Amalekite/Abner (tenor) - Finnur Bjarnason, Doeg/Ghost of Samuel (baritone) - Henry Waddington, Saul (bass) - Gidon Saks. RIAS Kammerchor & Concerto Köln, René Jacobs (Conductor). 2005. Painting: Saul attacking David, Guercino
Video Credit:
Join the Best Sing Ever! ChorusOz 2018! YouTube, uploaded by Sydney Philharmonia Choirs. Accessed 27 May 2018.
Resources:
2. Sydney Philharmonia Choirs. Accessed 27 May 2018. (Available at the time of linking.)
3. Sydney Opera House, What's On/Events. Accessed 5 June 2018. (Available at the time of linking)
(c) 2018. Tel Asiado. Inspired Pen Web. All rights reserved.
No comments:
Post a Comment