Hercules | Music | University of Alberta - Fine Arts

Join us for an exclusive presentation and celebration of G. F. Handel’s rarely performed oratorio, Hercules!

Featuring an incredible cast of singers (Tracy Dahl, John Tessier, Phillip Addis, and Lizzy Hoyt), they will be joined by the Blue Crown Baroque Ensemble performing on period instruments and at baroque pitch, led by harpsichordist and conductor Christopher Bagan.

A cornerstone composer of the western musical canon, Handel was known for developing the genre of Italian opera and reaching new heights in this form. In 1737, he changed creative direction and began composing English-language oratorios, ultimately making his works more accessible to the middle class. He became so successful that after his Messiah (1742), he never composed an Italian opera again.

Synopsis:
Composed in 1774, the oratorio chronicles the classical myth of the Roman god, Hercules and his wife, Dejanira. Hercules returns from war, having conquered his foe, Oechalia and capturing his daughter Iöle. Dejanira becomes consumed with jealousy after seeing the captive’s youth and beauty. While her son, Hyllus falls in love with Iöle, Dejanira attempts to secure her husband’s fidelity using a charmed robe which she acquired from the centaur, Nessus. Unbeknownst to Dejanira, the robe is imbued with poison and causes Hercules’ death, leading Dejanira to go mad with grief.

Ticket Price Range: $10.00 - $20.00

Buy Tickets:
https://www.ualberta.ca/en/music/concert-listings/2026-02-28_hercules.html

The event starts at 7:30 pm but let’s arrive at 7:00 pm or earlier to get situated. Also plan to arrive early to find parking. Carpooling or public transit is encouraged. We will meet in the lobby for a quick meet and greet. We can chat again after the performance.

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See you soon!