Handel's oratorio delights in Wilhelmshaven: Classical music by the sea rejoices!

Handel's oratorio delights in Wilhelmshaven: Classical music by the sea rejoices!

Last Saturday, June 14, 2025, the oratorio “Israel in Egypt” by George Frideric Handel was performed on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the “Klassik am Meer” concert series. This emotional journey through Israel's exodus from Egypt took place in the atmospheric Banter Church in Wilhelmshaven. The Chamber Choir of the New Apostolic Church under the direction of Gerrit Junge gave expression to the evening and thrilled the audience with a main part consisting of 45 talented singers. The audience applauded enthusiastically after the last act, which made the anticipation of this special musical event palpable.

The oratorio, which is not only thematically interwoven with the political currents of its time, is based on texts from the King James Bible of 1611 and addresses both the plagues of Egypt and the liberating exodus of the people of Israel. In 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 demonstrates vocal ability, but also the future worlds of sound that the oratorio has to offer, inviting the audience on a musical journey of discovery.

A look at Handel's life and work

Georg Friedrich Handel, one of the most important baroque composers, was born in Halle in 1685 and worked successfully in Germany, Italy and England. With 42 operas and 25 oratorios, including the famous “Messiah”, he had a significant impact on music history. Handel's “Israel in Egypt” premiered in London in 1739 and initially flopped. But today it is a frequently performed work, appreciated for its dramatic intensity and magnificent choral work. And not without reason, because the powerful choral melodies are the focus of the piece and shine with a variety of tonal possibilities.

Handel developed his compositional talent not only on the opera stage, but also in church music and other genres. While early performances of “Israel in Egypt” struggled, the oratorio is now an indispensable part of the classical 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 enjoyment.

Cultural interest and ticket information

The event attracted a large number of music-loving people who secured tickets in the price categories PK1 (€30), PK2 (€20) and PK3 (€10). Anyone who missed this unforgettable performance of Handel's masterpiece can already look forward to future concerts at www.klassikammeer.de be announced. “Klassik am Meer” remains an integral part of the cultural landscape in Wilhelmshaven and, with its 30-year history, offers a varied and inspiring program for all lovers of classical music.