Matthew Aucoin’s EURYDICE

Matthew Aucoin’s and Sarah Ruhl’s celebrated adaptation of her play is a contemporary vision of the Orpheus myth.

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. Brilliant American composer Matthew Aucoin now carries that tradition into the 21st century with a captivating new take on the story. With a libretto by multi–award-winning playwright and author 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 Tony Award–winning director Mary Zimmerman. Soprano Erin Morley headlines the opera in the title role, starring opposite baritone Joshua Hopkins as Orpheus. Countertenor Jakub Józef Orliński is Orpheus’s otherworldly alter ego, bass-baritone Nathan Berg is Eurydice’s father, and tenor Barry Banks is Hades, the menacing ruler of the Underworld.

“The sheer scale of Aucoin’s music is luxurious… The dancing at Orpheus and Eurydice’s wedding … is a little jewel.“ (The New York Times)

“Expertly wrought, finely produced, and performed with genuine show-biz verve … A composer with vocal music in his bones. Aucoin’s command of the genre is dazzling … For a good time, knock at the gates of Hell.” (Vulture / New York Magazine)

Production year 2021
Duration 178 min.
Production Company The Metropolitan Opera
Distribution TV Clasart Classic
Composer Matthew Aucoin
Libretto Sarah Ruhl
Conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin
Orchestra / Band The Metropolitan Opera
Stage Director Mary Zimmerman
Soloist Erin Morley
Soloist Jakub Józef Orliński
Soloist Barry Banks
Soloist Joshua Hopkins
Soloist Nathan Berg