Collegium Vocale Gent / Sebastien Daucé
Alceste: Handel at his best
Dates
thu 26 feb 2026 - 20:00
location
Blauwe zaal
price
€ 10 → 65
duration
2h interval
ca. 21:00
Extra info
introduction Liesbeth Segers / 19:15 / Music Studio
language
Dutch surtitles
Handel in all his royal grandeur
Queen Anne celebrated her birthday on 6 February, but why should such a grand celebration be limited to a single day? That’s why Collegium Vocale Gent, conducted by Sébastien Daucé, presents a sparkling tribute on 26 February with Handel’s Ode for the Birthday of Queen Anne - the work that was composed especially for her in 1713.
Handel, who had only recently settled in London, was uniquely skilled at winning royal favour: with music that exuded grandeur and refinement. This was not only a homage to Queen Anne, but also a celebration of the Treaty of Utrecht that marked her reign.
Alongside the royal tribute, Handel's Alceste is on the programme, one of his lesser-known but no less fascinating works. Originally intended as theatre music, it features Handel's signature dramatic flair and masterful vocal lines. Whether Queen Anne would have appreciated this belated birthday wish remains uncertain. What we do know is that this concert offers a tribute as timeless as the music of Handel himself.
Handel, who had only recently settled in London, was uniquely skilled at winning royal favour: with music that exuded grandeur and refinement. This was not only a homage to Queen Anne, but also a celebration of the Treaty of Utrecht that marked her reign.
Alongside the royal tribute, Handel's Alceste is on the programme, one of his lesser-known but no less fascinating works. Originally intended as theatre music, it features Handel's signature dramatic flair and masterful vocal lines. Whether Queen Anne would have appreciated this belated birthday wish remains uncertain. What we do know is that this concert offers a tribute as timeless as the music of Handel himself.
Works
'Larghetto e staccato' uit de Ouverture tot 'Ode to St. Cecilia', HWV76
Cantate 'Ode for the Birthday of Queen Anne', HWV74
Opera 'Alceste', HWV45
Credits
musical performance
musical direction
soprano
countertenor
tenor
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