Handel’s Saul at Glyndebourne 2025

Welcome to TicketsToSee’s comprehensive guide to Saul opera Glyndebourne tickets for 2025. A powerful combination of dramatic music and theatrical innovation, George Frideric Handel’s Saul has captured the hearts of opera lovers worldwide.

Glyndebourne’s upcoming production (08 June – 24 July 2025) is generating significant buzz, combining the festival’s trademark excellence with the grandeur of Handel’s beloved oratorio.

Below, we provide an in-depth look at the recent and upcoming performances, the acclaimed Saul opera Glyndebourne review, the Saul opera Glyndebourne cast, detailed 2025 dates, a concise Saul opera (or oratorio) synopsis, and the story behind the iconic Dead March in Saul lyrics English query.

Read on to learn why Saul remains in such high demand—and how to secure your seats before they sell out.

Saul Opera Glyndebourne Tickets

Recent and Upcoming Performances

Saul premiered at Glyndebourne in June 2015 in a new stage production by Barrie Kosky and returned for a revival in 2018. It garnered rave reviews for its theatrical staging and impeccable musical quality.

Glyndebourne has now confirmed that Saul will indeed run from 08 June to 24 July 2025, with multiple performance dates outlined below.

How to Check Ticket Availability

• Glyndebourne Website: For the most accurate and up-to-date details on seat availability, visit the official Glyndebourne website.
• Authorised Partners: Tickets for Saul are typically sold through Glyndebourne’s platform or reputable authorised partners.
• TicketsToSee: Our service provides a secure and straightforward route to Saul opera Glyndebourne tickets, helping you navigate dates, seating categories, and any additional extras such as dining or interval picnics.

Because performances at Glyndebourne often sell out, especially for a show as popular as Saul, early booking is strongly advised.

Saul Opera Glyndebourne Review

Barrie Kosky’s production of Saul at Glyndebourne (first seen in 2015) received wide critical acclaim and quickly became a landmark event in the festival’s history. Below are some of the major talking points that contributed to this success—insights that continue to inform why Saul remains eagerly anticipated:

1. Staging and Dramatic Flair
   Kosky’s direction was widely hailed as “larger-than-life,” seamlessly blending traditional Baroque elements with modern theatrical touches. Critics applauded the striking visual designs, elaborate period-meets-surreal costumes, and dynamic choreography, which renewed the vigour of Handel’s oratorio.
2. Musical Interpretation
   Under conductors such as Ivor Bolton (2015) and later Laurence Cummings, the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment delivered incisive, energetic, and historically informed performances. This approach highlighted the clarity and rhythmic vitality inherent in Handel’s score, while still allowing emotional depth to shine through in pivotal arias and choruses.
3. Standout Performances
   • Christopher Purves (Saul): Consistently praised for his intense portrayal, Purves brought complexity and pathos to the doomed King of Israel.
   • Iestyn Davies (David): Davies’s countertenor voice proved an ideal match for Handel’s writing, offering a blend of virtuosity and lyrical beauty.
   • Lucy Crowe (Merab) and Sophie Bevan (Michal): Both sopranos were lauded for vocal brilliance and the emotional resonance they lent their characters’ conflicting loyalties.

Audiences marvelled at the blend of theatrical boldness and top-tier Baroque music-making, proving that an oratorio can be just as riveting, if not more so, than a conventional opera. Although the 2025 production may incorporate updates or new creative perspectives, these core elements of theatrical excellence and musical integrity are expected to remain.

Saul Opera Glyndebourne Cast

Cast includes
Saul
Christopher Purves

David
Iestyn Davies

Merab
Sarah Brady

Michal
Soraya Mafi

Jonathan
Linard Vrielink

The 2025 Run

You can expect Glyndebourne’s signature commitment to artistic quality—featuring world-class vocalists, historically informed orchestral forces, and a first-rate creative team.

 Saul Glyndebourne 2025

One of the most significant developments for Handel fans this season is the return of Saul to Glyndebourne. If you’re planning to attend, mark your calendar with the following confirmed performance dates:

Dates and Timings

• Gardens Open 3.00pm; Opera Starts 5.00pm
  • 13, 17, 20, 28 June
  • 4, 9, 12, 16, 19, 24 July
  • Interval: 6.40pm – 8.10pm (approx. 90 mins)
  • Opera Ends: 9.10pm
• Gardens Open 2.00pm; Opera Starts 4.00pm
  • 8, 22 June
  • 6 July
  • Interval: 5.40pm – 7.10pm (approx. 90 mins)
  • Opera Ends: 8.10pm

These dates form part of Glyndebourne’s summer festival season, which runs from 08 June to 24 July 2025. During the long interval—a treasured Glyndebourne tradition—many patrons choose to picnic in the beautiful gardens or dine in one of the on-site restaurants. The relaxed, sociable atmosphere is woven into the festival’s charm, making the experience more than just a night at the opera.

Booking Advice

• Purchase tickets directly from the official Glyndebourne box office or from TicketsToSee to ensure authenticity.
• Book early, as popular dates tend to sell out rapidly. Weekend performances and final-week shows are often the first to go.
• Consider planning extra time on-site to explore the grounds, soak up the festival atmosphere, and thoroughly savour the interval.

Saul Opera (or Oratorio) Synopsis

Though technically classified as an oratorio, Handel’s Saul translates remarkably well to fully staged performances—an aspect that Glyndebourne has capitalised on to great acclaim. Below is a concise look at the plot and themes that make this work such a thrilling stage piece:

Setting & Characters

• Adapted from the Old Testament’s Book of 1 Samuel.
• Saul: The first King of Israel, battling internal demons of envy and paranoia.
• David: The shepherd boy who slew Goliath, rising in favour with the people—and with God.
• Jonathan: Saul’s son who forms a profound friendship with David.
• Merab and Michal: Saul’s daughters, each with differing views on David’s meteoric rise.

Plot Outline

1. Act I
   • The Israelites rejoice after David conquers Goliath.
   • Saul initially praises David, but soon bristles at the public adulation David receives.
2. Act II
   • Consumed by envy, Saul plots David’s downfall.
   • Jonathan’s alliance with David further agitates Saul.
   • Saul attempts to kill David; Michal intervenes to help David escape.
3. Act III
   • Ravaged by guilt and divine rejection, Saul consults the Witch of Endor.
   • The prophet Samuel’s spirit predicts Saul’s destruction in battle.
   • The famous Dead March underscores the funeral of Saul and Jonathan, bringing the tragedy to a mournful close.

Themes

• The Destructive Nature of Jealousy: Saul’s paranoia propels him from a favoured king to a tragic figure.
• Divine Will vs. Human Ambition: David’s rise is portrayed as ordained, amplifying Saul’s powerless rage.
• Personal Loyalty vs. Familial Duty: Jonathan’s torn loyalties encapsulate the moral complexity of the narrative.

This combination of epic scope and psychological insight sets Saul apart. Handel’s music conveys intense drama even without staging; when staged, as at Glyndebourne, the emotional stakes reach a new pinnacle of theatrical power.

Dead March in Saul Lyrics English

The “Dead March” in Act III is one of Handel’s most recognisable instrumental pieces. Frequently performed by orchestras and military bands, it has become a staple in solemn commemorations. Despite its widespread fame:

• It is purely instrumental—there are no lyrics associated with the Dead March itself.
• The surrounding sections of the oratorio (e.g., “Mourn, Israel, mourn”) may feature biblical paraphrases in English, but these are not part of the march.
• The music’s funereal quality highlights the tragedy of Saul’s downfall and Jonathan’s loss, marking one of the most poignant conclusions in Handel’s sacred and theatrical repertoire.

For those specifically seeking Dead March in Saul lyrics English, be aware that what you’re truly looking for are the accompanying choruses in the oratorio. The march itself remains a solemn, wordless lament.

Addressing Common Questions

1. Why Is Saul So Popular at Glyndebourne?

• Heritage and Reputation: Glyndebourne has a sterling track record with Baroque works, attracting world-class ensembles and interpreters.
• Engaging Staging: The festival’s direction embraces the dramatic elements of oratorios like Saul, enhancing the audience’s immersion.
• Musical Excellence: Conductors and orchestras specialising in period performance bring authenticity to Handel’s richly textured music.

2. Are Tickets Difficult to Obtain?

• High Demand: Saul quickly rose to must-see status after its previous runs. Enthusiasts from the UK and abroad compete for seats.
• Limited Run: Only a set number of shows take place between 08 June and 24 July 2025, creating natural scarcity.
• Venue Size: Glyndebourne’s relatively intimate theatre heightens the exclusivity of the experience.

3. How Can I Ensure Ticket Authenticity?

• Official Platforms: Tickets can be purchased only from Glyndebourne’s website, the on-site box office, or a trusted ticket partner like TicketsToSee.
• Secure Purchases: We offer a reliable service, guaranteeing genuine tickets with transparent policies and customer support.

4. What’s the Dress Code?

While there is no strict formal requirement, Glyndebourne patrons often dress smartly—many choose black-tie attire. The festival atmosphere is both elegant and relaxed, particularly as guests stroll the grounds during the extended interval.

5. Are There Dining Options?

Yes. Glyndebourne’s restaurants serve high-quality meals, and the large interval gives you ample time for a leisurely lunch or dinner. Alternatively, bring a picnic to enjoy in the scenic gardens—an iconic part of the Glyndebourne tradition.

Practical Tips for a Wonderful Evening

1. Arrive Early: Factor in time to explore the gardens and relax before the performance.
2. Interval Picnic: Many visitors relish Glyndebourne’s famed interval picnics; plan to secure a hamper or bring your own hamper and blanket.
3. Stay Informed: Check official notices for updates on intervals or start times. This is particularly important if you rely on public transport.
4. Dress Comfortably: While formal wear is welcome, comfort is key, especially if you plan to walk around the grounds.
5. Accommodation: If you’re travelling from afar, consider booking a nearby hotel or B&B to savour the whole Glyndebourne experience without rushing.

Conclusion

In summary, Saul at Glyndebourne stands as one of the 2025 season’s most eagerly awaited musical events—blending Handel’s timeless oratorio with a high-calibre creative team. Past reviews highlight the production’s blend of dramatic flair, musical brilliance, and intimate storytelling, all hallmarks of Glyndebourne’s dedication to excellence.

• Saul opera Glyndebourne tickets (2025): The opera will return from 08 June to 24 July 2025 after its lauded 2015 and 2018 stints.
• Saul opera Glyndebourne review: Praised for vivid staging, incisive conducting, and standout vocal performances.
• Saul opera Glyndebourne cast: Originally led by Christopher Purves and Iestyn Davies, with updated casting to be finalised for 2025.
• Synopsis: A tragic tale of jealousy, divine wrath, and family betrayal rooted in the Old Testament.
• Dead March in Saul lyrics English: The iconic funeral march is purely instrumental, heightening the emotional impact of Act III’s conclusion.

If you want to experience this masterful work in the setting it truly deserves, book your tickets as soon as possible. With Glyndebourne’s reputation for sold-out performances, waiting too long could mean missing out. At TicketsToSee, we’re here to guide you through the process, ensuring you find the perfect date and seating arrangement. Don’t let the opportunity slip away—immerse yourself in Handel’s monumental score, enjoy the pastoral beauty of East Sussex, and witness one of the Baroque era’s greatest theatrical triumphs.

Ready to Secure Your Tickets?

• Visit TicketsToSee or the Glyndebourne website for real-time availability.
• Choose your preferred date and seating category.
• Complete a hassle-free purchase process with confidence and security.

We look forward to helping you experience the splendour of Saul at Glyndebourne—where music, drama, and the serenity of the gardens converge to create memories that will last a lifetime. Book now and prepare for an unforgettable summer evening steeped in the sublime beauty of Handel’s genius.

Saul Performance Dates

Gardens open: 3.00pm
Opera starts: 5.00pm
Interval (90 mins)*: 6.40pm
Opera resumes: 8.10pm
Opera ends: 9.10pm