Judas Maccabaeus

Judas Maccabaeus

Sponsored by Heineken and Scottish & Newcastle UK

About the Performance

Judas Maccabaeus premiered at Covent Garden in 1747. At the same time as being one of Handel's most enduring oratorios it is a direct and highly political statement about the, then, recent Jacobite uprising and as such remains provocative to this day. Composed by Handel in his role as chief propagandist of the House of Hanover, it has words written by Thomas Morrell to celebrate the Duke of Cumberland's victory over the Scottish rebels at Culloden, its most famous chorus being See, the conqu'ring hero comes.

The work has been popular since its first performances in the Scottish Enlightenment period, moving audiences with familiar melodies, high drama and powerful choruses. With a star line up of soloists and William Christie conducting the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, this promises to open the Festival in style.

 

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Performance Details

The Opening Concert

By George Frideric Handel

Scottish Chamber Orchestra

William Christie Conductor

Edinburgh Festival Chorus
Christopher Bell Chorus Master

Rosemary Joshua Soprano
Sarah Connolly Mezzo soprano
Reno Troilus Countertenor
William Burden Tenor
Neal Davies Bass

Booking Information

Performance Dates:

August 2009
M T W T F S S
  1 2
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10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31
Tickets: From £10 - £45
Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes approximately
Venue: Usher Hall
Edinburgh - The city of edinburgh council Scottish Arts Council

Edinburgh International Festival Society is a company limited by guarantee and incorporated in Scotland (SC024766)
with its registered office at The Hub, Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NE. Registered Charity No SC004694