John Butt and the OAE celebrate Handel's Solomon

Helen Charlston and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment

John Butt conducts the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment

By Roy Westbrook, 13 October 2025

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“Charlston’s formidable singing had all the power and authority it needed for the legendary King”

Reviewed at Queen Elizabeth Hall, London on 12 October 2025

Handel, Solomon

John Butt, Conductor

Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment

Choir of the Age of Enlightenment

Nardus Williams, Soprano

Helen Charlston, Mezzo-soprano

Hugo Hymas, Tenor

Florian Störtz, Bass

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Roy Westbrook

Roy Westbrook gained a diploma in music history at London University (Morley College) and was for some years the head of music day schools at Oxford University, where he also led music summer schools. After some years leading the University's business school he has returned to music teaching and writing, and recently took part in the Arts in Residence courses on Bruckner, Mahler and Bach He is co-author (with Terry Barfoot) of a history of opera, and has taught day schools on Sibelius in Oxford and elsewhere.

“Virtue only makes a monarch great”: Butt and the OAE celebrate Handel's Solomon