ACT ONE
Solomon, the king of Israel, has built a temple in Jerusalem. At the dedication ceremony, he prays for God to grace it with his presence. Zadok, the high priest, sees flames descending from heaven, an acknowledgement that God is pleased with Solomon’s great achievement.
With great humility, Solomon expresses his piety and devotion to God.
Solomon promises to build his queen a grand palace. The queen expresses her own piety and gratitude, and the two affirm their love and devotion to each other.
INTERMISSION
ACT TWO
King Solomon gratefully praises God for his ascent to the throne. A Levite praises Solomon’s virtue. Two women, one of them holding an infant in her arms, beseech the king for justice. Both women recently gave birth, but only one of the boys survived. Now, each of the women claims that the surviving child is hers.
Solomon decrees that the child be cut in half to solve the dilemma. One of the women begs the king to relent, relinquishing her claim in order to spare the child’s life.
The king assures everybody that he would never have made good on his threat. He declares that the true mother is the one who would rather give up the child than see him die. Everyone rejoices in the king’s wisdom.
INTERMISSION
ACT THREE
King Solomon welcomes the visiting Queen of Sheba to Jerusalem. She is dazzled by everything she sees. He orders musicians to entertain her.
In gratitude for his hospitality, she rewards him with gifts of gold and jewels, noting that she is most impressed by the majestic temple he has built.
Zadok congratulates the king on the beauty of the temple. Solomon expresses his gratitude for his kingdom’s remarkable prosperity.
Taking her leave, the Queen of Sheba praises Solomon’s accomplishments, and the Israelites sing a song of rejoicing and praise to their beloved king.
In fond memory of Tara Colburn, supertitles are underwritten by Dunard Fund USA.
