The dramatic oratorio “Theodora” is a classic love story set against the backdrop of the persecution of Christians in ancient Rome. It powerfully tells the story of Theodora, a Christian, and Didymus, a Roman officer who converted to Christianity. The two lovers are persecuted and ultimately sentenced to death because of their faith. In the process, both attempt to sacrifice their own lives for the other.

Michael Gieler, artistic director of Music Stages: ‘This tragic oratorio, with its rich love story, is very much like an opera. The music is delightful. There are also plenty of contemporary references that allow us to give it a modern twist. We’re staging this monumental work at the IJ-Salons, with five young singers and an ensemble. This may make the story even more poignant.’

The vibrant Amsterdam-Zuidoost district boasts a rich musical culture unlike any other: from gospel to Ghanaian highlife music. For more than ten years, Music Stages has been organizing the Bijlmer Klassiek series in the district and is expanding this series with special events, where the audience is surprised time and again with spectacular crossover concerts. In this crossover concert, “Homage to Zuidoost,” musicians from the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra will collaborate with the “Dutch Queen of Soul” Shirma Rouse, the popular ZO! Gospel Choir, and the multi-talented Berima Amo.

The program naturally features upbeat gospel songs, but the choir also embraces crossover with classical music and will perform, among other pieces, the magnificent Ave Verum by Mozart. There is a long-standing collaboration with Berima Amo, the world-class Dutch-Ghanaian singer, trumpeter, and composer, who will present his first composition featuring soloist Shirma Rouse and the ZO! Gospel Choir.  This work draws on influences from both the Ghanaian vocal tradition and elements of gospel, bringing classical music and gospel together in a fresh way.

With thanks to the Amsterdam Fund for the Arts, the Performing Arts Fund, Zabawas, and the Amsterdam Zuidoost District. Bijlmer Klassiek is a co-production of Music Stages and the Bijlmer Parktheater; the IJ-Salon is a co-production of Music Stages and the Muziekgebouw aan ’t IJ.