A true cast of stars for this recording of Handel’s masterpiece Theodora: Lisette Oropesa in the title role; Joyce DiDonato as Irene; Michael Spyres as Septimius; John Chest as Valens; Paul-Antoine Bénos-Djian as Didymus, with Il Pomo d'Oro orchestra and choir and conducted by Maxim Emelyanychev.

This follows the acclaimed recording of Agrippina, also with the winning team of Joyce, Maxim, and Il Pomo d’Oro – Gramophone Editor’s Choice of March 2021.

A dramatic oratorio in three acts set to an English libretto by Thomas Morell, Theodora, HWV68, concerns the Christian martyr Theodora and her Christian-converted Roman lover, Didymus.

Great critical acclaim for the performances in Europe and at the Royal Opera House; German Opernglas called the cast a “Luxusbesetzung”.

“…the stage is dominated by the almost overwhelming presence of Joyce DiDonato. Physical presence, on the one hand, notably in the visual communication maintained with the choir … Vocal presence, on the other hand, so much the mezzo impresses by the depth of her commitment, the absolute mastery of her singing, the imagination and the audacity of her ornaments. Dramatic presence, one would have to add, by the incredible projection of the text … From a character of little theatrical interest, she ends up being the pillar of the work.” – Res Musica

Cast:
- Irene: Joyce DiDonato (soprano)
- Theodora: Lisette Oropesa (soprano)
- Septimius: Michael Spyres (tenor)
- Didymus: Paul-Antoine Bénos-Djian (countertenor)
- Valens: John Chest (baritone)
- Messenger: Massimo Lombardi (tenor)