Handel - Jephtha - Les Talens Lyriques - Oslo Cathedral

I played first trumpet in Handel’s Jephtha [HWV 70] on Sunday 17 March 2024 in Oslo Cathedral, with Christophe Rousset and Les Talens Lyriques. 

edge

The performance featured the singers: Jeremy Ovenden (Jephtha), Deborah Cachet (Iphis), Sophie Harmsen (Storgé), Edwin Crossley-Mercer (Zebul), Tim Mead (Hamor), Lian Wei (Angel) and the Chœur de Chambre de Namur. This performance was the last concert in the Oslo Internasjonale Kirkemusikkfestival (Oslo International Church Music Festival), and it received a fantastic standing ovation. The festival looked after us fantastically; they, along with the French and Belgian embassies, organised a convivial reception for us after the concert.

edge

This was my first visit to Norway, and it was brilliant to explore this crisp and wintry capital city. I enjoyed the viewpoint on the icy roof of the opera house before exploring the grounds of the Skarpenords kruttårn, a fort with fine views over the harbour. I wandered down to the waterfront next, where a few people were swimming in the pristine water. After watching the changing of the guard at the Royal Palace, I wandered back to the hotel along Karl Johans Gate (street), taking in the various university, theatre and Parliament buildings on the way. 

edge

edge



I look forward to revisiting Handel’s Jephtha in Halle and Namur later this year, and I will be rejoining Les Talens Lyriques for several weeks in Vienna, starting in just a few days time! In other news, my natural trumpet book is nearing completion, so watch this space!

Russell Gilmour
Russell Gilmour Blog
writing on music, photography, engraving, travel and life as a freelance professional musician.

Russell Gilmour's innovative new book, 'Just' Natural Trumpet, is now available: please click here for more information.
Stacks Image 110