Israel in Egypt – Escape to Exile I

As an American, he taught the whole of France how to play the Baroque "correctly" - what an exciting irony! At the age of 80, William Christie now radiates more contentment and serenity than ever, enjoys life in the magnificent gardens of Thiré in the Vendée department, a few kilometers south-east of Sainte-Hermine, and pursues his travels and creative visions of the future full of energy. For the opening concert, he focuses on one of the best-known stories of exile: the flight of the Israelites from Egypt, which Handel masterfully set to music in 1739 based on texts from the King James Bible. A central role in the oratorio is played by the choir, which represents the Hebrew people. In this way, Handel lends his work an extraordinary dramatic power that today seems more forceful than ever before.

Date and time
19. July 2025, 19:30

Address
Church Saanen

Organizer
Gstaad Menuhin Festival & Academy

Works
George Frideric Handel (1685-1759) "Israel in Egypt", oratorio for soloists, choir and orchestra HWV 45

Management
William Christie, Management

Soloists
Emmanuelle de Negri, soprano Jasmin White, contralto Moritz Kallenberg, tenor Matthieu Walendzik, baritone

Admission price
CHF 170 / 145 / 95 / 40

Contact us
+41 33 748 81 82

Website
https://www.gstaadmenuhinfestival.ch/de/programm-and-tickets/programm-2025