Handel's Theodora | Arcangelo (chamber music ensemble)

Period ensemble Arcangelo prove why Handel’s undervalued oratorio deserves its place on stage, both musically and for its depiction of an inspiring heroine, brought to life tonight by Louise Alder.

Handel’s Theodora belongs among works that have inexplicably taken time to get on our stages. A flop at its first performance in 1750, it’s only recently been recognised as a masterpiece. Was it the story of persecution and martyrdom? Maybe, but despite the dark ending, Handel creates one of his strongest heroines, noble until the end, and gives her heart-wrenching music. Tonight Louise Alder, winner of a recent Critics’ Circle Music Award, takes on the role.

Formed in 2010 by Jonathan Cohen, Arcangelo have won a reputation for the energy and drama of its period performances. They gave the first Proms staging of Theodora in 2018, praised by the Guardian for its ‘dramatic momentum’, with Alder ‘radiantly assertive’ in the title role. They’re joined by some of today’s leading singers to continue the renaissance Theodora deserves.