Oxford Bach Choir/Florilegium directed by Benjamin Nicholas - Handel's Athalia

The Sheldonian Theatre was opened in 1669, 350 years ago, and the Oxford Bach Choir celebrates this anniversary with one of the greatest pieces premiered there, Handel’s oratorio Athalia. Not only is this the only oratorio conducted by Handel in Oxford, but the Sheldonian is almost certainly the only surviving building where we know he performed any of his oratorios.

Athalia tells the dramatic tale of the downfall of the evil usurper Athalia, Queen of Judah, daughter of Jezebel and worshipper of Baal, with appropriately colourful and exciting music for soloists and chorus alike.