Monteverdi Choir – Rousset – Haendel : Theodora

Presented by Philippe Maillard production (PLATESV-R-2022-011004). It was in the face of English public reluctance towards Italian opera that Handel set out to develop English-language repertoire. Theodora, an absolute masterpiece of English Baroque, was nevertheless a failure: the dark and modest lyricism of the oratorio went against the contemporary taste for glitter. History eventually did justice to this monument of emotional power recounting the martyrdom of Theodora of Antioch. 280 years later, with an exceptional cast gathered around star Marie Lys, and in a work he knows so well, Christophe Rousset will lead the legendary Monteverdi Choir and English Soloists to thrilling heights. Program Georg Friedrich Haendel • Theodora – Oratorio in three acts Performers Marie Lys • soprano (Theodora) Alice Coote • mezzo-soprano (Irene) Iestyn Davies • countertenor (Didymus) Hugo Hymas • tenor (Septimius) John Chest • bass (Valens) The Monteverdi Choir The English Baroque Soloists Christophe Rousset • direction Concert duration 3h30