With Saul, the Cologne Opera presents a baroque oratorio by George Frideric Handel that impresses with its great dramatic power, monumental choruses and psychological depth. Barrie Kosky's acclaimed direction brings the Old Testament tragedy between power, envy and downfall to the stage in a gripping way.

King Saul sees David, the celebrated hero after his victory over Goliath, as a rival. When Saul's children also stand by David, the king decides to get him out of the way. But David is under divine protection - and Saul's star begins to sink.

With Saul, George Frideric Handel turned to a controversial biblical subject at a time of political upheaval in England. Handel broke new ground with this work by shaping the oratorio as dramatic music theater in English. The premiere in 1739 was a great success, not least because of the impressive choruses and emotional depth.

The Glyndebourne Festival's opulent production, transposed to the London of the Georgian era, presents Handel's work as an exciting stage event between triumph and tragedy. Conducting the Gürzenich Orchestra is Rubén Dubrovsky, a proven specialist in baroque music.
Premiere November 23
Further performances: November 26 and 29, December 1, 3, 5, 10, 12 and 14, 2025