PROGRAM
HANDEL Theodora
This performance will last approximately 160 minutes including one intermission.
ARTISTS
Richard Egarr, conductor
Julie Roset, soprano (Theodora)
Helen Charlston, mezzo-soprano (Irene)
Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen, countertenor (Didymus)
Thomas Cooley, tenor (Septimius)
Dashon Burton, bass-baritone (Valens)
Valérie Sainte-Agathe, chorale director
PERFORMANCES
Thursday, October 20, 7:00 p.m. | Herbst Theatre, San Francisco
Friday, October 21, 7:30 p.m. | First United Methodist Church, Palo Alto
Saturday, October 22, 7:00 p.m. | First Church, Berkeley
Sunday, October 23, 4:00 p.m. | First Church, Berkeley
ABOUT THIS CONCERT
In the 1700s Handel took London by storm, penning hit after hit for what we might now consider to be the West End Stage. Theodora had all the hallmarks of being the next such hit, but circumstance was to intervene—rather improbably in the form of an earthquake which drove much of Handel’s audience from the city. This masterpiece therefore took a little longer to develop—an oratorio that has a different feel than many of his other works—more contemplative, personal and reflective, and with music of great serenity and beauty. It was rumored to be one of the composer’s favorite works, and on hearing its spellbinding arias—brought to life here by countertenor Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen, tenor Thomas Cooley, bass-baritone Dashon Burton, and soprano Julie Roset in the title role—we are very sure you’ll leave thinking the sam
PROGRAM NOTES
Click Here for program notes.
Click Here for the libretto.
