Pinner Festival Choir, Orchestra & Soloists

PINNER MUSIC FESTIVAL CHOIR, ORCHESTRA & SOLOISTS 

CHERYL ENEVER (Soprano)

AMY CARSON (Soprano)

SEBASTIAN JAMES (Treble)

TIM TRAVERS-BROWN (Counter-tenor)

TOM ROBSON (Tenor)

GARETH THOMAS (Bass)

Conducted by DAVID GOULD

George Frideric Handel

Athalia

Handel enjoyed using the colour and drama of the Old Testament for his oratorios – Athalia is a fine example. The libretto is based on a play by Racine and it was first performed in 1733 in Oxford. Handel once again shows his skill in writing for chorus and soloists, and there is plenty of characterisation, drama and contrast. The forceful tyrant Athalia contrasts with the tender but resilient Josabeth, whilst High Priest Joad shows passion as well as faith. Other solo and chorus roles are well-drawn.

The eponymous and idolatrous queen tried to stamp out King David’s lineage and religion, to replace it with worship of Baal. But one child escaped her murderous plot. Suffice it to say that things don’t turn out well for Athalia.

David Gould was a choral scholar at St John’s College, Cambridge and a member of Westminster Cathedral choir from 1993 until 1998. He is an experienced consort and choral singer appearing regularly with many leading choirs and ensembles, including the Cardinall's Musick, the Tallis Scholars, the King´s Consort and the Sixteen. Over the last fifteen years, David has conducted various choirs in the London area including Stanmore Choral Society, the Sine Nomine Singers, Ashtead Choral Society and most recently the Amici Chamber Choir. 

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