Samson by George Frideric Handel

When: Saturday, April 8, 2017 at 7:30 pm
Where: Alma Thomas Theater at Southwestern University, Georgetown, Texas
Who: San Gabriel Chorale and the Southwestern University Chorale with a professional orchestra.
Tickets: $20 on this website or at the door, Free with Southwestern University ID

George Frideric Handel (1685-1759) was a German-born Baroque composer who lived much of his life in England, where he was very popular in his lifetime for his English oratorios.

Samson was one of his most performed oratorios then, and is still being performed and recorded to this day.

This work was composed immediately after The Messiah, which is well known to modern audiences. Handel composed this over just a few months in 1741; subsequent revisions brought it to its first performance in 1743.

Samson is a 3 act oratorio based on the story of Samson as told in the Old Testament Book of Judges 13-16. The libretto picks up after Samson has had his hair cut by Delilah, leading to the loss of his legendary strength, and recounts the remaining chapters of his life and deeds. Notable arias most of us would recognize from Samson include Let the Bright Seraphim and Total Eclipse. These gems are frequently performed alone in concerts.

The San Gabriel Chorale is joining forces with the Southwestern University Chorale and a professional orchestra for this performance of “Samson,” and will be under the direction of Dr. Kenny Sheppard.