A rarely performed classical masterpiece is going to be performed in Manchester next month.

The Royal Northern Music College Opera will be putting on a performance of Handel’s Theodora

Theodora was Handel’s penultimate oratorio and is widely recognised as one of his great masterpieces. The rarely staged dramatic work contains some of Handel’s most beautiful arias, duets and choruses – this promises to be a profoundly moving theatrical experience.

The story, in English, recounts the tender love and eventual martyrdom of Theodora, a young Christian woman, and her Roman lover, Didymus. When the order is given that those who refuse to offer sacrifice to Jupiter are to be tortured and killed, the two lovers find themselves locked in a battle to the death; each determined to sacrifice their own life to save the other. The Roman chorus, initially baying for blood, are deeply shaken and affected by the quiet courage of the Christian lovers and their friends.

The plot of Theodora resonates to this day as conflicts continue to erupt around the globe. Innocence, love, faith and courage bloom strong and full of promise, only to be struck down by the thirst for power and blind hatred.

Theodora will be sung in English, no surtitles will be provided.

Performances run from the 24th March until 1st April

 

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here