Media Release 8 December 2015

Handel’s Samson to Open National Concert Hall’s International Choral Series for 2016

Performed by Chamber Choir Ireland and the Irish Baroque Orchestra

Chamber Choir Ireland
Irish Baroque Orchestra
Matthew Halls, conductor
International Choral Series 2015/16
Saturday 23rd January at 7.30pm*

Handel’s glorious oratorio Samson HWV 57 will be performed by Chamber Choir Ireland and the Irish Baroque Orchestra along with conductor Matthew Halls on Saturday 23rd January at 7.30pm, as part of the National Concert Hall’s International Choral Series 15/16.

Samson was composed immediately after the Messiah in a remarkable one month period in October 1741, directly before Handel arrived in Dublin. One of his most dramatic works, he describes the aftermath of Samson’s betrayal by Dalila as he lies in chains while the Philistines celebrate their god. As his strength returns Samson destroys the pagan temple, burying both himself and his enemies in the ruins.

Chamber Choir Ireland, the country’s flagship choral ensemble and national chamber choir, and the Irish Baroque Orchestra who excel in authentic period performance, will be joined by soloists of international renown: Jonathan Best, James Oldfield, Madeleine Shaw, Katherine Watson (Dalila) and James Gilchrist (Samson). Conductor Matthew Halls is artistic director of the Oregon Bach Festival and is known for his recordings of Handel, Bach, and Purcell.

Simon Taylor, CEO of the National Concert Hall said: ‘The National Concert Hall’s choral series has met with considerable success over recent seasons and has featured wonderful international ensembles such as The Sixteen, The Tallis Scholars and Chanticleer. The combined forces of Chamber Choir Ireland and the Irish Baroque Orchestra fully deserve their place in such illustrious company and it is a particular pleasure to bring together two of our resident world-class ensembles to perform this rarely-heard choral masterpiece.’

The National Concert Hall’s International Concert Series 2015/2016 continues on Thursday 4th February with pianist Jeremy Denk performing works by Mozart and Beethoven along with Bach’s compelling Goldberg Variations. Next in the Choral Series is the distinguished Bach Collegium Japan under the direction of Masaaki Suzuki, performing Bach’s Mass in B minor BWV 232 on Tuesday 12th April at 8pm.

The International Concert Series 15/16 is sponsored by Dublin Port and supported by The Irish Times as print media partner.

Tickets are available from the National Concert Hall Box Office, telephone 01 - 417 00 00 or visit www.nch.ie
Tickets: €32.50, €28.50, €22.50 (€17 choir balcony) *Please note the earlier start time

Media Enquiries
Jenny Costello, Marketing Executive, National Concert Hall, Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2. Tel: 01 417 0077 or E-mail jenny.costello@nch.ie