Organization

Singer

Soprano

Miah Persson

Queen of Solomon

1. Woman

Chorus master

Steven Fox

Conductor

Harry Bicket

Contralto

Ann Hallenberg

Solomon

Elena Villalón

Queen of Sheba

Bass

Brandon Cedel

Levite

Tenor

James Way

Zadok

Mezzo-soprano

Niamh O'Sullivan

2. Harlot

Others

The Clarion Choir

Orchestra

The English Concert

Barbican Centre

Handel: the philanthropist

London

United Kingdom

Barbican Concert Hall

Music for the Royal Fireworks, HWV 351 Händel (+2 More)

Public

Music for the Royal Fireworks, HWV 351

Foundling Hospital Anthem HWV 268

Approved

A star-studded cast and The English Concert recreate Handel’s legendary 1749 fundraising concert, offering a chance to marvel at the abundance of his imagination – as well as his good deeds.

Handel was more than a composer of classical hits – he was also a humanitarian who raised astonishing amounts for his favourite cause, London’s Foundling Hospital for abandoned children. In 1749 he gave a benefit concert, an event repeated annually until the end of his life. Tonight stars of the singing firmament come together with historically accurate instruments of The English Concert to recreate that first concert.
The words of the Foundling Hospital Anthem set out Handel’s fundraising message: ‘Blessed are they that considereth the poor and needy’. His oratorio Solomon also pleads for wisdom and peace, and includes the majestic Arrival of the Queen of Sheba. With other favourite Handel moments on the bill such as the exuberant Music for the Royal Fireworks, the evening offers as many thrills and emotions as it does virtuous thoughts.

English

Performance credits (Cast & Crew )

Crew

Ensemble