14th June

Concert will begin at 18:00 hours GMT

Händel's 'Jephtha' with Ovenden, Lys, Harmsen, Mead and Crossley-Mercer from Halle

Halle Händel Festival. Händel's 'Jephtha' is an oratorio with a libretto by the Rev. Thomas Morell, based on the story of Jephtha in Judges (Chapter 11) and Jephthas sive votum - 'Jeptha or the Vow' (1554) by George Buchanan. The story revolves around Jephtha's rash promise to the Almighty that if he is victorious, he will sacrifice the first creature he meets on his return. He is met by his beloved daughter Iphis. Unlike the original Biblical story, an angel intervenes to stop the sacrifice, and Iphis only needs to dedicate her life to the Lord.

Performers: Marie Lys: Iphis. Sophie Harmsen: Storge. Tim Mead: Hamor. Jeremy Ovenden: Jephta. Edwin Crossley-Mercer: Zebul.

Namur Chamber Choir. Les Talens Lyriques. Conductor: Christophe Rousset.

Recorded 30 May.