Event Calendar
Matthew Aucoin’s Eurydice
Sunday, December 12, 2021, 12:55 pm
NEW PRODUCTION/MET PREMIERE
Estimated Run Time: 2 hrs 45 mins
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.
Music by Matthew Aucoin, libretto by Sarah Ruhl, based on her play Eurydice
A co-production of the Metropolitan Opera and LA Opera
Commissioned by the Metropolitan Opera and LA Opera. Originally commissioned by the Metropolitan Opera/Lincoln Center Theater New Works Program with support from the OPERA America Repertoire Development Grant.
Production a gift of Robert L. Turner