The Israeli Vocal Ensemble and Barrocade Collective will perform Handel’s Esther, conducted by David Stern, at the Israel Festival on Friday, May 5, 2013 at 12:00 at the Jerusalem Theatre. Considered to be the first English oratorio, George Frederic Handel composed the music to a libretto by John Arbuthnot and Alexander Pope, based on the drama by Jean Racine; this was the composer’s first venture into what would become a signature genre.
Soloists will be: Claire Meghnagi soprano; Alon Harai counter tenor; Jeffrey Francis tenor; Oded Reich bass-baritone. Musical director, and founder of the Israeli Vocal Ensemble in 1993, is Yuval Benozer. The Ensemble will be accompanied by the Barrocade Collective, who specialize in performing ancient music on authentic instruments, a special interest of conductor David Stern.
This concert is part of Israeli Vocal Ensemble’s performing season, the fourth in the series. Tickets are 100 – 120 NIS, and performances will take place:
Ra’anana Performing Arts Center: Tuesday May 21st at 20:30, to order tickets call 09-7464036.
Tel Aviv Museum of Art: Thursday May 23rd at 20:30, to order tickets call 03-6077020. Musical director Yuval Benozer will give a pre-concert lecture on “Handel’s Oratorios” from 19:45 – 20:20, there is an additional cost for the lecture.
Israel Festival performance, Henry Crown Auditorium, Jerusalem Theatre: Friday, May 24th at 12:00, to order tickets call 02-6237000, *6226.
Greek Orthodox Church, Haifa: Saturday May 25th at 12:30, to order tickets call 04-8363804.
