Rarely performed masterpiece: a first for Exeter Philharmonic Choir
Exeter Philharmonic Choir’s Lord Mayor’s concert this spring is a not-to-be-missed musical event – and a first for EPC.
On Saturday 14th March, 2026, the choir and four soloists will sing Handel’s majestic oratorio Solomon, a work not known to have been performed in Exeter Cathedral since its composition in 1748.
High drama, rich orchestration and some of Handel’s most exquisite choral writing combine in this rarely performed masterpiece, including the sparkling ‘Arrival of the Queen of Sheba.’
Exeter Philharmonic Choir is welcoming Martha McLorinan as the wise King Solomon; Amy Carson, doubling as his Queen and the Queen of Sheba; Hugo Hymas as Zadok the Priest; and Timothy Dickinson as the Levite.
The choir will be singing in eight voice parts, with Endelienta Baroque adding to the rich tapestry of sound. Handel’s ‘Arrival of the Queen of Sheba’ is one of the most recognisable compositions in the Baroque repertoire.
This instrumental interlude, which opens Act III, depicts the grandeur and majesty of the monarch’s arrival, as described in the biblical narrative.
However, Handel didn’t give the piece this title. The name is thought to have been popularised in the 20th century and has since become one of Handel’s best-known compositions. It was even played during the opening ceremony of the London Olympic Games.
Mezzo-soprano, Martha McLorinan, takes on the role of Solomon, a part that’s traditionally sung by a woman.
‘Handel’s masterpiece brings to life a compelling story’
At the 1749 premiere, Solomon was performed by a mezzo-soprano, following the Baroque tradition of heroic male roles being sung by women or castrati. This gives the character a distinctive vocal colour – noble, warm, and flexible rather than overtly masculine.
Martha, who hails from the South West, has appeared as a soloist at venues as far afield as Moscow, Hamburg and Salt Lake City.
‘Handel’s masterpiece brings to life a compelling story about the deeds and wisdom of King Solomon,’ says Howard Ionascu, Exeter Philharmonic Choir’s Director of Music.
‘Although the ‘Arrival of the Queen of Sheba’ in the final act will be recognisable to many, this oratorio is rarely performed in its entirety, and is another musical ‘first’ for the choir.”’
The Lord Mayor of Exeter is Honorary President of EPC and the choir’s spring concert is always billed as ‘The Lord Mayor’s Concert.’
Tickets are available on the EPC website and there will be a retiring collection for the current Lord Mayor’s chosen local charity, Riding for the Disabled (RDA) – Exeter Group.