Handel Theodora
Saturday 6 June 2026
7.30pm
St Martin’s Church, Church Street, Epsom KT17 4PX
Step into the world of ancient Rome, where faith is forbidden and love defies empire. Set in Roman-occupied Antioch, Theodora tells the tale of a noble Christian woman who refuses to renounce her faith. Condemned to a brothel by the Roman governor Valens, Didymus, a Roman soldier secretly converted to Christianity, risks everything to save her. Composed in 1750, Theodora features some of Handel’s most exquisite writing. The arias are tender and introspective, the choruses rich with solemn beauty. Handel himself considered it superior to Messiah, especially the chorus “He saw the lovely youth,” which he ranked above the famous “Hallelujah” chorus.
Though it was underappreciated in its time, Theodora is now hailed as a masterpiece of Baroque drama and musical expression. This is not just a concert — it’s a journey into the soul of Handel’s artistry. With its themes of courage, sacrifice, and spiritual transcendence, Theodora resonates deeply in today’s world.
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