20/09/2026
✨ Theodora Sunday — Episode ###VII: « Streams of pleasure » ✨🕊️
After Valens delivers his cruel judgement, condemning both Theodora and Didymus to death, Septimius is devastated.
How can such beauty and courage be destroyed? How can two extraordinary souls be condemned for their love and faith?
But Didymus answers with unexpected serenity. 🤍
He gently reassures his friend that neither he nor Theodora should be considered unhappy. They do not despise life, but they believe that the suffering they are about to endure is a small price for the eternal joy awaiting them in Heaven.
And suddenly, the darkness of their sentence gives way to an extraordinary vision. ✨
As Didymus draws closer to death, he begins to see Paradise opening before him. He describes what he sees: endless flowing streams, heavenly fruits, golden thrones and crowns of stars. A world of extraordinary beauty, where the struggles of earthly life disappear and the soul finds eternal peace.
In this aria, his acceptance becomes something greater: a moment of grace. Paradise is no longer a distant promise. It is a reality he can already see, growing clearer as he approaches it. 🕊️
« And such beauty suffer?
Such useful valour be destroy’d?
Destroy’d, Alas! by an unhappy constancy!
Yet deem us not unhappy, gentle friend, Nor rash; for life we neither hate nor scorn: But think it a cheap purchase for the prize Reserv’d in heaven for purity and faith.
Streams of pleasure ever flowing, Fruits ambrosial ever growing, Golden thrones, Starry crowns Are the triumphs of the blest: When from life’s dull labour free, Clad with immortality, They enjoy a lasting rest. »
One of the most beautiful visions of Heaven in Theodora.
As Didymus approaches his final moments, Paradise opens before his eyes.
Suffering gives way to beauty, fear gives way to faith, and the promise of eternal rest fills his soul with peace. 🤍🕊️
Lea Desandre - Theodora
Avery Amereau, contralto - Irene
Hugh Cutting - Didymus
Laurence Kilsby - Septimius
Alex Rosen, bass - Valens
🎻 Jupiter Choir and Orchestra

🎼 Artistic direction
Thomas Dunford
🎙️Choir
Alysia Hanshaw
Yerin Lächli
Neïma Fischer
Sam Cobb
Clémence Faber
Iris Korfker
Lorna Price
Attila Varga-Tóth
Patrick Kilbride: Tenor
Richard Pittsinger
Kevin Arboleda Oquendo
Stuart O’Hara
Matthew Knickman
Ben Kazez
🎻 Violins
Louise Ayrton
Magdalena Sypniewski
Andrew Wong
Augusta McKay Lodge
Manami Mizumoto
Valentine Pinardel
Koji Yoda

🎻 Violas
Jasper Snow
Jeff Girton
Ivan Saez Schwartz

🎻 Cellos
Cyril Poulet
Arthur Cambreling
Julien Hainsworth

🎻 Doublebasses
Chloe Lucas
Youen Cadiou
Ismael Campanero
🎹 Harpsichord and organ
Tom Foster

🎶 Flutes
Anne Parisot
Georgia Browne
Clémence Bourgeois

🎶 Oboe
Neven Lesage
Jon Olaberria

🎶 Bassoons
Evolène Kiener
Niels Collins Cooppalle

📯 Horns
Félix Polet
Armand Dubois

🎺 Trumpets
Jean-Daniel Souchon
Jean Bollinger

🗣️ English coaching
Sophie Daneman

🎭 Stage manager
Frédéric Mazin

📋 General manager
Anaïs Le Fur
Château de Versailles
