‘Theodora,’ Once a Handel Flop, Is Celebrated Anew
Anthony Tomasini, The New York Times
2nd November 2015
The performance met all expectations, offering the ensemble in top form. A fine roster of soloists was led by the creamy-voiced soprano Katherine Watson as Theodora, an aristocratic-born Christian in fourth-century Antioch; and the superb countertenor Philippe Jaroussky as Didymus, a Roman officer who has fallen in love with her and secretly converted to Christianity, in defiance of military law....
...In air after air, Ms. Watson brought vocal bloom, emotional depth and beguiling phrasing to her exemplary performance...
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WILLIAM CHRISTIE, CONDUCTOR
Stephen Langridge director
Philippe Giraudeau choregraphy
Alison Chitty sets and costumes
Fabrice Kebour lights
CAST
Katherine Watson Theodora
Stéphanie d’Oustrac Irène
Philippe Jaroussky Dydimus
Kresimir Spicer Septimus Callum Thorpe Valens
