Festival Chorus & Orchestra

RACHEL AMBROSE (Soprano), EDWARD EDGCUMBE (Alto), THOMAS DUPERNEX (Tenor), JONATHAN STAINSBY (Bass), PINNER MUSIC FESTIVAL CHORUS & ORCHESTRA (Leader: Rebecca Boyle)

Conducted by DAVID GOULD

David Gould will conduct the Pinner Music Festival Choir and Orchestra in one of Handel's finest oratorios, Judas Maccabaeus. David lives in Pinner and has made his career as a professional counter-tenor. He has also conducted various local choirs, including the Stanmore Choral Society, Sine Nomine Singers and the Amici Chamber Choir.

Handel's oratorio, Judas Maccabaeus, tells the story of the Jewish leader of that name and his rebellion against the Seleucid Empire during the 2nd century BC. The Jewish people face defeat and sing of their despair in 'Ah wretched Israel'. However Judas Maccabaeus wins a famous victory (''See, the Conqu’ring Hero Comes!'') and restores the Temple in Jerusalem to the Israelites. Handel brings together a wonderful mix of solo and choral writing – some of which is justly familiar – into this dramatic oratorio, of which form he was such a master.