The 2024 London Handel Festival 'Spring Awakenings' opens with a rare performance of the enlarged 1732 version of the great oratorio Esther. With thrilling choruses, sublime solo arias and even a harp concerto this is one of the most eclectic of all Handel’s works. First performed at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, Esther is widely considered to be the first English oratorio composed by Handel. Recounting the Old Testament stories of the Jewish orphan Estha, this large-scale work explores themes of sacrifice, compassion and redemption, all themes which were close to Handel’s heart.

With over 60 performers on stage including a starry line up of soloists, our opening concert will be one of the largest performances to have taken place in St George’s, Hanover Square, the home of the London Handel Festival.