Handel Athalia: Oxford Bach Choir
OBC: Handel AthaliaThe Sheldonian Theatre was opened in 1669, 350 years ago, and the OBC celebrates this anniversary with one of the greatest pieces premiered there, Handel’s oratorio Athalia. Not only is this the only oratorio conducted by Handel in Oxford, but the Sheldonian is almost certainly the only surviving building where we know he performed any of his oratorios. Athalia itself tells the dramatic tale of the downfall of the evil usurper Athalia, queen of Judah, daughter of Jezebel and worshipper of Baal, with appropriately colourful and exciting music for soloists and chorus alike.
NB: Music at Oxford has no wheelchair spaces for this concert. If you require a wheelchair space, please contact the Oxford Bach Choir directly via: tickets@oxfordbachchoir.org
Programme
Handel
Athalia
Performers
Sopranos
Elin Manahan Thomas, Ali Ponsford-Hill
Tenor
James Gilchrist
Countertenor
Simon Ponsford
Bass
Nicholas Morton
Choir
Oxford Bach Choir
Ensemble
Florilegium
Director
Benjamin Nichols
Venue Information
Sheldonian Theatre
Broad Street
Oxford
OX1 3AZ
01865 277 299
enquiries@sheldon.ox.ac.uk
www.sheldonian.ox.ac.uk