Theodora

After a remarkable Ariodante in 2023 under the direction of William Christie, mezzo-soprano Lea Desandre this season takes on another Handelian heroine subjected to cruel trials: Theodora, a Christian martyr persecuted under the Roman Empire. 

With Handel, the line between opera and oratorio is a fine one. Theodora attests to this: its English libretto by Thomas Morell and its Christian theme in no way diminish its theatrical power. In 1749, Handel composed one of his final oratorios, having already turned away from opera eight years earlier. The eloquence of his musical inspiration and the moving intensity of its double tragic ending — as both Theodora and her lover, the converted Roman officer Didymus, meet their deaths — make every performance a dramatic exegesis on romantic and spiritual passion.

Lea Desandre is joined by countertenor Hugh Cutting (Didymus) and soprano Avery Amereau (Irene), reuniting with her collaborators, Ensemble Jupiter, under the artistic direction of Thomas Dunford.

Artistic Director Thomas Dunford 
Orchestra and Choir Ensemble Jupiter

Theodora Lea Desandre 
Didymus Hugh Cutting 
Irene Avery Amereau (replacing Véronique Gens)
Septimius Laurence Kilsby 
Valens Alex Rosen

_{Photo © Angéline Moizard}