Opera Lafayette presents From Saint-Cyr to Cannons: Moreau and Handel’s Esther in Washington, DC on February 8 and in NYC on May 9.
This orchestral concert with vocalists includes works by Jean-Baptiste Moreau (1656-1733) and George Frederic Handel (1685-1759), both connected to French dramatist Jean Racine’s play Esther, based on the Old Testament story. Moreau wrote the incidental music for Racine’s Esther, which was first performed at Maintenon’s school for girls in 1689, while Handel’s version is known to be his first English oratorio. The concert will be co-directed by harpsichordist and Opera Lafayette Artistic Associate Justin Taylor, and Jonathan Woody (returning after his performance in Couperin le Grand).
Vocalists will include Paulina Francisco (Esther & Soprano I (Moreau)), Jesse Darden (Ahasuerus), Jonathan Woody (Haman), Jacob Perry (Tenor II), Elisse Albian (Soprano, Soprano II (Moreau)), and Kristen Dubenion-Smith (Alto (Handel & Moreau)).