Oratorio Judas Maccabeus of G.F. Handel

Sunday, 10 May - 17:00

Abbatiale de Payerne

Association des Concerts de Payerne

G.F. Händel: Oratorio Judas Maccabeus In May 2026, the Association des Concerts de Payerne and the Pro Arte Lausanne choir will join forces to perform one of Georg Friedrich Händel's great oratorios: Judas Maccabaeus (HWV 63). This powerful work, inspired by a biblical episode of struggle for freedom and faith, already resonated with the political situation in England in 1746. Today, it is particularly famous for the chorus that became the hymn ‘À toi la gloire’ (To You the Glory), a famous song of victory with lyrics written by a pastor from Vaud. The rich and colourful orchestration, performed here by a specialist orchestra playing period instruments, and the beauty of the solo arias make this work one of the highlights of Handel's oratorios. The concert brings together soloists of the highest calibre, three of whom will also be performing in the opera Ottone two months later, and an orchestra of specialists, including brass instruments specially made for Handel's music. Pascal Mayer will be conducting two concerts in Bex (Saturday 9 May 2026) and Payerne (Sunday 10 May 2026).   Oratorio Judas Maccabæus HWV 63 George Frideric Handel (1685-1759) Sarah Matousek, soprano; Charles Sudan, alto; David Munderloh, tenor; Gerardo Garciacano, bass Choir Pro Arte LausanneOrchester: Capella Paterniacensis Conductor: Pascal Mayer