Solomon
Handel’s spectacular oratorio brings the storied King Solomon to life with talented soloists and the Choir of the Age of Enlightenment.
Handel’s colossal work tells the story of one of the Bible’s most prominent characters, King Solomon, with each of its three acts illustrating his different qualities and exploring the theme of leadership.
In Act I, the king’s devoutness and ‘marital bliss’ is celebrated ‘amid flowers, sweet breezes and nightingales’ songs’.
Act II recognises Solomon’s great wisdom as he dramatically resolves a dispute between two women claiming to be the mother of the same child, while the final act highlights the splendour of Solomon’s kingdom through a lavish masque presented to the visiting Queen of Sheba.
Handel’s tour-de-force oratorio is directed by OAE Principal Artist John Butt. Nardus Williams is the versatile soprano soloist, valiantly singing three roles: Solomon’s Queen, the First Harlot, and Nicaule, the Queen of Sheba.
The performance also features Hugo Hymas, Florian Störtz and, in the title role, Helen Charlston (a former Rising Star of the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment). She and Williams continue the tradition of Handel’s casting of two women in the lead roles for Solomon’s 1749 debut.
Performers
Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment
John Butt conductor
Nardus Williams soprano, Solomon's Queen, Nicaule (Queen of Sheba), 1st Harlot
Helen Charlston mezzo-soprano, Solomon
Hugo Hymas tenor, Zadok
Florian Störtz bass-baritone, A Levite
Choir of the Age of Enlightenment
Repertoire
Handel: Solomon
Need to know
Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer at 6pm: Q&A with conductor John Butt. Free.
For your visit
This event is held at the Queen Elizabeth Hall Southbank Centre
The Queen Elizabeth Hall is open from 90 minutes before events start until they finish. It’s closed at all other times.
Plan your visit
The Queen Elizabeth Hall is home to both our second-largest auditorium and the Purcell Room.
Getting here
Our address is Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX.
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Access
We’re working hard to remove barriers, so that our facilities and events can be accessible to as many people as possible.
All help points, toilets, performance and exhibition spaces at the Southbank Centre are accessible to all, as are the cafes, bars and restaurants. We also have excellent public transport links with step-free access.
All information about booking wheelchair spaces, step-free access, blue badge parking, access maps and guides and other help available whilst you’re here, including details about our Access Scheme, can be found on our Access page.
Food & drink
From coffee to cocktails, filling favourites to fine dining, plus some of London’s best street food – it’s all here at the Southbank Centre.