The ancient Greek myth of Orpheus, who attempts to harness the power of music to rescue his
beloved Eurydice from the underworld, has inspired composers since opera’s earliest days.
Rising American composer Matthew Aucoin now carries that tradition into the 21st century
with a captivating new take on the story—a product of the Met’s commissioning program. With
a libretto by MacArthur “Genius Grant” recipient Sarah Ruhl, adapted from her acclaimed 2003
play, the opera reimagines the familiar tale from Eurydice’s point of view. Yannick Nézet-Séguin
oversees the momentous Met premiere from the podium, leading Aucoin’s evocative music and
an immersive new staging by Mary Zimmerman. Soprano Erin Morley sings the title role,
opposite baritone Joshua Hopkins as Orpheus and countertenor Jakub Józef Orliński as his
otherworldly alter-ego. Bass-baritone Nathan Berg is Eurydice’s father and fellow resident of
the underworld, with tenor Barry Banks as Hades himself.
Standard