Sydney Philharmonia Choirs Presents
ChorusOz 2016: George F. Handel's 'Israel in Egypt'
12 June 2016, 5 P.M. SundayConcert Hall, Sydney Opera House
At Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, once again, it's that time of the year in June when hundreds of passionate singers from interstate and all over the world join SPC 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 'ISRAEL IN EGYPT'
George Frideric Handel's Israel in Egypt (HWV 54) is a biblical oratorio. Most scholars believe the libretto was prepared by Charles Jennens, thesame text writer for Handel's most famous Messiah. It is composed entirely of selected passages from the Holy Bible's Old Testament mainly from the books of Exodus and the Psalms.
Israel in Egypt premiered at London's King's Theatre in the Haymarket on April 4, 1739. Handel started it soon after the opera season at King's Theatre was cancelled for lack of subscribers. The oratorio was not well received by the first audience though commended it was commended in the Daily Post, and the second performance was shortened, the mainly choral work now augmented with Italian-style arias.