Here is what critics have said about Theodora’s recent performances, presented solely for informational and editorial purposes:

Theodora was hailed as the evening’s standout performer for her portrayal of Megacle (L’Olimpiade), bringing electric energy and exceptional technical skill to the role. She was praised for her rich, well-projected voice, noting her ability to handle demanding arias and emotional nuances with remarkable ease. Read the full review onClassiquenews.

_{Jean-François Lattarico | 21 Jul 2026}

“… a convincingly boyish Megacle” – Theodora was praised for her commanding performance in the male lead role on the live CD recording of L’Olimpiade released by Arcana. Read the full review onThe Guardian.

_{Clive Paget | 16 Jul 2026}

“Theodora Raftis’s Megacle com­bines vocal agil­ity with emo­tional depth.” – BBC Music Magazine awarded a five-star rating and its presitigious “Opera Choice” Award for August 2026 to Arcana’s live CD recording of L’Olimpiade, praising an exceptionally talented cast. Read the full review onBBC Music Magazine.

_{Ashutosh Khandekar | 16 Jul 2026}

Theodora is able to fully display her talents as the elite athlete Megacle in L’Olimpiade, masterfully showcasing a rich, lyrical soprano that features a strong middle register and remarkably deep resonance across a wide emotional spectrum. She was highly praised for her beautifully rounded tone on the live CD recording on the Arcana label, highlighting her exceptional legato and deeply expressive, sensitive interpretation of the role. Read the full review onOnline Merker.

_{Dr. Ingobert Waltenberger | 13 Jul 2026}

“Theodora Raftis’s mischievous Sidonia depicts cruel coquettishness and knowing flirtatiousness.” – Review by Gramophone of the live CD recording of Astarto released by CPO Records.

_{David Vickers | Feb 2026 | Gramophone}

“Megacle, l’atleta leale e fedele capace di rinunciare al proprio amore per Aristea in nome dell’amicizia, è stato interpretato da Theodora Raftis, soprano di coloratura di grande carattere, bravissima anche come attrice.”

_{Lucia Fava | 24 Nov 2025 | giornaledellamusica.it}

“Bene la prova del soprano Theodora Raftis che dona a Megacle una bella combinazione di purezza vocale e scenica, risolvendo le arie di coloratura con stile impeccabile e “disilvoltura”, in cadenza ha aggiunto anche un bel mi bemolle!”

_{Gabriella Spagnuolo | 23 Nov 2025 | oltrecultura.it}

“Theodora Raftis soprano di coloratura cipriota è entrata più che brillantemente nei panni di Megacle, agilità rutilanti e mai opache, cristallo timbrico e piglio caratteriale le hanno regalato un’ovazione in chiusura di sipario.”

_{Roberta Rocchetti | 22 Nov 2025 | musiculturaonline.it}

“Megacle (ruolo en travesti) eroe candido, leale e fedele trova in Theodora Raftis l’interprete ideale. Ottimo soprano dal timbro luminoso che gestisce con perizia le colorature nelle varie arie come “Superbo di me stesso”, “Se cerca, se dice” e soprattutto nell’insidiosa “Torbido e volto in nero” risolta con grande fluidità.”

_{Marco Sonaglia | 21 Nov 2025 | operateatro.it}

“La compagnia di canto è complessivamente apprezzabile, con alcune “vette” e altre “cadute”: tra le prime si assesta senz’altro Theodora Raftis, intensa Giunone, dal bel colore e l’omogenea linea di canto, con un pieno controllo del canto d’ agilità.”

_{William Giuseppe Costabile Cisco | 5 Jul 2025 | gbopera.it}

“Altrettanto puntuale, oltre che particolarmente comica, la Giunone della cipriota Theodora Raftis, notevole soprano dalla gradevole e promettente coloratura, capace di destreggiarsi fra le impervie volate vocali e i molti movimenti scenici richiestile.”

_{Matteo Poccioni | 2 Jul 2025 | iltrilloparlante.com}

“With four sparking arias, Dalinda is a splendid role for sopranos to display their vocal talents, and the wonderful Greek Cypriot Theodora Raftis did not disappoint with a vibrant performance, in which she not only brought her character thrillingly to life but sang with such freedom, agility and brio that each aria was a musical delight. Together, they showed off the breadth of her admirable technique to good effect as she furnished the vocal line with an impressive array of detailed embellishments, indulged in complex coloratura runs, and added nicely placed emphases and dynamic inflections, which came together most spectacularly in “Neghittosi or voi che fate?” in which she rages at Polinesse’s treachery. Yet, they were not superficial shows; rather, they were thoughtfully moulded to fit the dramatic context.”

_{Alan Neilson | 10 Aug 2024 | operawire.com}

“Brava e molto interessante anche la Dalinda del giovane soprano anglo-cipriota Theodora Raftis che per il personaggio tenuto a battesimo da una poco più che ventenne Cecilia Young offre il giusto timbro adamantino, corroborandone la tecnica virtuosa con scatto nitido e sicura facilità all’acuto. Anche scenicamente si rivela efficacissima.”

_{Paola De Simone | 1 Aug 2024 | connessiallopera.it}

“As indeed did Theodora Raftis as Dalinda.  The Cypriot soprano was the only non-Italian singer on stage tonight, although she lacked nothing in textual acuity in comparison with her colleagues.  Her soprano is bright and silky, with an agreeable fizz to the tone through a natural vibrato – qualities that make her a natural Händelian.”

_{Operatic wanderer. Flâneur lyrique | 23 Jul 2024 | operatraveller.com}

“Soprano Theodora Raftis was excellent in the part of Sidonia. Taking advantage of every possible opportunity, she hammed up the role, and had the audience chuckling along as she threw them knowing glances, while mocking the love-stricken Nino. Gestures were absurdly far-fetched, facial expressions deliberately exaggerated, while her reactions, moods and postures were all played to excess. It was a splendid performance, which displayed a real talent for comedy. Nor was her singing any less convincing. She possesses a versatile voice with a bright, attractive timbre, which she used skilfully to mould delicate and detailed lines or unleash fabulous passages of coloratura. Particularly impressive was the confidence she exhibited in engaging with her role, which made it easy for her to connect with the audience.”

_{Alan Neilson | 5 Sep 2022 | operawire.com}

“Last year, soprano Theodora Raftis won third prize in the festival’s Cesti competition, making a notable impression with her wonderful coloratura and imaginative embellishments. Although her role as Atamira did not allow for such a florid vocal display, it did provide further evidence of her talent, in which she demonstrated her ability to draw out the emotional depths of her character.

In her aria, “Care selve, onor del monte,” she laments the loss of Acrimante who is fleeing from her, and for whom she is searching, her subtle ornamentations and light coloratura delicately capturing Atamira’s pain. Raftis’ voice has an endearing timbre, it is strong, versatile and moves with ease between the registers, which was exemplified in her final aria, “Tormenti, che fate?”

_{Alan Neilson | 2 Sep 2020 | operawire.com}

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