Prom 50 - Cummings and the AAM bring the house down with Samson at the Proms

Laurence Cummings conducts the Academy of Ancient Music
© BBC/Sisi Burn

Allan Clayton (Samson)

Jacquelyn Stucker (Dalila)

Joélle Harvey (Israelite Woman)

Jess Dandy (Micah)

Brindley Sherratt (Harapha)

Jonathan Lemalu (Manoa)

Will Pate (Messenger)

Philharmonia Chorus

Academy of Ancient Music

Laurence Cummings (harpsichord/director)

7pm, Wednesday 23 August, 2023

BBC Prom 50

Royal Albert Hall, London

★★★★

Allan Clayton & the Academy of Ancient Music
© BBC/Sisi Burn

Handel, George Frideric (1685-1759): Samson (1741-2, rev. 1743)

'The Philharmonia Chorus’ performance was totally convincing'. 

'Clayton’s Samson was unflinching in rejecting Dalila’s pleas, but showed vulnerability too, never afraid to sing incredibly quietly, lamenting the “Total eclipse” of his sight with heartbreaking pianissimo control on the words “no moon”'.

'Stucker’s Dalila was bright-toned and full of self-righteousness, her “plaintive notes” more wheedling than sensuous, but beautiful nevertheless'. 

Brindley Sherratt & the Academy of Ancient Music
© BBC/Sisi Burn

Dandy:

'When Cummings kept the players back, her rich tone was allowed to shine through, with particular expression of pain in her long-held “griefs” in “Return, oh God of hosts”'.

'Brindley Sherratt was in danger of stealing the show as Harapha, his arresting presence dominating the stage as he strode on, delivering his first recit from memory'.

Jacquelyn Stucker & Joélle Harvey
© BBC/Sisi Burn

Cummings & the AAM:

' consistently energetic presence, he commanded the combined forces with enthusiasm, making for a memorably magnificent performance'.

Read my full review on Bachtrack here.