Handel's oratorio inspires in Wilhelmshaven: Classical by the sea cheers!

Handel's oratorio inspires in Wilhelmshaven: Classical by the sea cheers!

Banter Kirche, Werftstraße 75, Wilhelmshaven, Deutschland - Last Saturday, June 14, 2025, the oratorio "Israel in Egypt" was performed by Georg Friedrich Handel on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the concert series "Classical by the Sea". This emotional journey through the extract of Israel from Egypt took place in the atmospheric Bantter church in Wilhelmshaven. The chamber choir of the New Apostolic Church under the direction of Gerrit Junge expressed the evening and delighted the audience with a main part that consisted of 45 talented singers. The audience enthusiastically applauded after the last act, which made the anticipation of this special musical event noticeable.

The oratorio, which is not only thematically interwoven with the political currents of its time, is based on texts by the King-James Bible from 1611 and addresses both the plagues of Egypt and the liberating extract of Israel. During this performance, the soloists Christina Germolus (soprano) from Berlin, Matthias Dähling (Countertenor) from Hamburg and Florian Sievers (tenor) from Leipzig were accompanied by the baroque orchestra "La Dolcezza", under the direction of Veronika Suplik. Handel's work not only shows vowel skills, but also the future sound worlds that the oratorio has to offer, and invites the audience to a musical journey of discovery.

A look at Handel's life and work

Georg Friedrich Händel, one of the most important baroque composers, was born in Halle in 1685 and successfully worked in Germany, Italy and England. With 42 operas and 25 oratorios, including the famous “Messiah”, he significantly shaped the music history. Handel's "Israel in Egypt" celebrated his premiere in London in 1739 and initially flopped. But today it is a frequently listed work that is valued for its dramatic intensity and great choir work. And not without reason, because the powerful choralodies are the focus of the piece and shine with a variety of tonal possibilities.

his compositional talent not only developed Handel on the opera stages, but also in church music and other genres. While the first performances of "Israel in Egypt" had to struggle with difficulties, the oratorio today is an indispensable part of the classic music scene. It reflects the problems of the time and is regularly integrated into the programs of local cultural events, such as in Wilhelmshaven, where the concert evening provided pure pleasure.

cultural interest and ticket information

The event attracted numerous music -loving people who secured tickets in the price categories PK1 (€ 30), PK2 (€ 20) and PK3 (10 €). Anyone who has missed this unforgettable performance by Handel's masterpiece can already look forward to future concerts, which are announced at www.klassikammeer.de . "Classical by the Sea" remains an integral part of the cultural landscape in Wilhelmshaven and, with its history of 30 years, offers a varied and inspiring program for all lovers of classical music.