Esther, HWV 50b

The oratorio “Esther” was performed and reworked numerous times by G. F. Handel. First composed in 1718 as a masque for a private performance at the country seat of the wealthy Duke of Chandos, this Bible story from the Old Testament – on which the tragedy “Esther” by Jean Racine (1689) is based – returned to the stage in 1732 as an oratorio. It tells the story of the Israelite Esther, the wife of the Persian king Ahasverus, who prevents the annihilation of the Jews planned by the court official, Haman. After much-acclaimed appearances at the 2016 Handel Festival, Fabio Bonizzoni and his orchestra La Risonanza will be back in Halle. They will be accompanied by the Capella Cracoviensis Choir and a host of famous international soloists who are familiar guests in renowned opera houses and concert halls, such as La Scala in Milan and the Carnegie Hall, and at festivals such as the Salzburg Festival.