Handel’s Theodora: The English Concert, Barbican Hall

Believe it or not, Handel rated the end of Act II of Theodora more highly than his famous Hallelujah chorus. Of his three oratorios, this was actually his favourite – though it is one of his least performed. It contains some of the most emotional music that he ever wrote as well as some powerful arias. 

American theatre director Peter Sellars staged a highly acclaimed, if a little far out, opera version of Theodora at Glyndebourne in the mid-1990s. There hasn’t really been a significant performance since, so perhaps this is the revival we’ve been waiting for. 

Theodora is a tragic tale of injustice and love. The heroine is executed alongside a soldier who tries to protect her in what is a moving and attention-grabbing story. 

The English Concert is a group of musicians who specialise in music from the Classical and Baroque eras. They have been going since the seventies, but are as strong as ever, performing lots of Handel and releasing several CDs of his work. This concert season marking their 40th anniversary sees them playing alongside the Choir of Trinity Church Wall Street . 

There are many excited tweets by The English Concert about their forthcoming season and, judging by the line-up of soloists for this concert, we can see why. World-class British talent will be hitting the stage for this performance, including soprano Rosemary Joshua , mezzo-soprano Sarah Connolly , countertenor Tim Mead , tenor Andrew Kennedy and baritone Neal Davies . 

This concert will be worth it because it’s a chance to hear a rarely performed work and an opportunity to explore the deeper side of Handel. A bonus is that Thomas Morell’s libretto is entirely in English, so won’t leave you guessing as to what is going on. Don’t miss out on this highlight of The English Concert’s calendar.

Tickets: £15-£45

Address & Map:  Silk St, London EC2Y 8DS  ‎

Nearest Tube: Barbican, Moorgate