Event M39: Handel’s Samson

Portsmouth Choral Union with The Consort of Twelve presents Handel’s Samson, first performed in Covent Garden, London in 1743. Renowned for its dramatic power, magnificent choruses, expressive solos and intricate orchestration. Come and enjoy this compelling oratorio. Conductor David Gostick.

Handel composed Samson immediately after Messiah in 1741 but it was not performed until 1743 in London. It proved an instant success and has never fallen entirely out of favour since then.

Samson is about the biblical judge Samson, focusing on his betrayal by his Philistine lover Dalila, who discovers his strength comes from his uncut hair and has it shorn, leading to his capture, blinding, and enslavement by the Philistines.