Introducing… Saul
Find out more about our award-winning production of Handel's Saul
In this video, the director tells us more about his vision for the production.
A brief introduction:
Saul is an unflinching portrait of human weakness, set to Handel’s stirring and dramatic music. At its heart is the Lear-like King Saul – one of the composer’s most moving and vividly drawn characters.
David has slain Goliath, and the people rejoice. King Saul welcomes the triumphant warrior into his home, but soon he is filled with jealousy and rage. As Saul descends into violent madness, his children must choose between their loyalty to the King and their love for David.
Created at a time when biblical stories could not be put on the stage, Saul was written as an oratorio, to be performed as a concert piece. Despite these origins, the piece is full of vivid imagery, brilliantly drawn characters and drama and is perfect for the stage.
Why not to miss it:
Christopher Purves in the 2015 production of Saul. Photo: Bill Cooper
Barrie Kosky’s award-winning production opened in 2015 to great critical acclaim, with The Telegraph calling it ‘electrically imaginative [and] viscerally gripping’ in their five star review.
Bursting with energy and sensation, it combines exhilarating contemporary choreography with lavish period costumes in a stylish fusion of old and new to create a theatrical experience like no other. The production features some spectacular visual set pieces, from incredible group dance routines to a breathtaking on-stage organ solo performed amidst a host of candles.
A great moment to look out for:
‘How Excellent’ and the ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ are the perfect showcase for the Glyndebourne Chorus, combining voice, movement and striking visuals to create one of the most memorable scenes on the Glyndebourne stage of the last decade.
Cast and creative team:
Jonathan Cohen, last seen at Glyndebourne for 2022’s Alcina, returns to conduct the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment.
Returning from the original 2015 cast are Christopher Purves as Saul and Iestyn Davies as David. They are joined by Linard Vrielink as Jonathan, Sarah Brady as Merab and Soraya Mafi as Michal who are all new to the production.
Iestyn Davies in the 2015 production of Saul. Photo: Bill Cooper
Glyndebourne Members have priority booking for Festival 2025. Members’ ballot deadline: Friday 10 January 2025. Associate Members’ ballot deadline: Saturday 1 February 2025
To find out more about production support for Festival 2025 click here
or contact our Director of Development, Helen McCarthy for an informal chat:
call 01273 013 308 or email helen.mccarthy@glyndebourne.com