Musical director: Philipp Ahmann
Soloists: Marie Lys (Athalia), Anna Dennis (Josabeth), Alex Potter (Joad), Benjamin Hulett (Mathan), Edward Grint (Abner) Solistin des MDR-Rundfunkchores (Joas), Leipziger Barockorchester, MDR-Rundfunkchor
Introductory talk: Stephan Drehmann, Stiftung Händel-Haus // 15.00 Uhr // Händel-Haus, Glashalle // Admission free – unnumbered seating
(in German only)
65, 45, 30 €
Following the outstanding success of their performance of the Handel oratorio Susanna by the MDR Radio Choir and the Leipzig Baroque Opera at the 2022 Handel Festival, they wished to continue the collaboration. The choice of the oratorio Athalia from 1733 was prompted by the principal theme of the 2024 Handel Festival – “Handel and France”. The Handel librettist Samuel Humphreys modelled his text on the eponymous tragedy, at the time famous throughout Europe, by the French poet, Jean Racine. The story it tells of the fight against tyrannical rule with a religious backdrop has lost nothing of its topicality today. Combined with Handel’s congenial musical arrangement, a flamboyant and opulent concert experience awaits visitors.