« All Events

The Met Live in HD: EURYDICE (Aucoin), with pre-opera talk by Dr. Morton Achter

Pre-opera talks begin at 11:45 AM, and the operas begin at 1 PM. Following the broadcast, there will be a brief “post-opera” discussion about what you have just seen, for those who wish to stay on.

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. 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. Met Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin takes 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.

Yannick Nézet-Séguin (Conductor); Erin Morley (Eurydice), Jakub Józef Orliński (Orpheus‘s Double), Barry Banks (Hades),Joshua Hopkins (Orpheus), Nathan Berg (Father)

Mary Zimmerman (Production), Daniel Ostling (Set Designer), Ana Kuzmanic (Costume Designer), T.J. Gerckens (Lighting Designer), S. Katy Tucker (Projection Designer), Denis Jones (Choreographer), Paul Cremo (Dramaturg)

Estimated Running Time; 2 hours, 45 minutes (w/ one 30 minute intermission)

EURYDICE pre-opera talk:  “Orpheus Returns”  at 11:45 AM

The ancient Greek myth about Orpheus and his wife Eurydice’s descent to the underworld has attracted composers since the very beginnings of opera in the 1590s. Here is a novel and contemporary treatment of the legend, to be considered now from Eurydice’s perspective.

This is the twelfth season of The Met: Live in HD for which Morton Achter, a resident of  Topsham and formerly of New Harbor, will present a series of pre-opera talks prior to selected broadcasts at the Lincoln Theater.  A retired college professor, Dr. Achter has taught about, produced, and directed opera and related stage genres for over sixty years. Educated at the Eastman School of Music and M.I.T., and holding a Ph.D. in music and theater history from the University of Michigan, locally he has directed productions for the Lincoln County Community Theater, River Company, Round Top Center for the Arts, and Bath’s Chocolate Church Arts Center.  He serves on the Board of Directors of Midcoast Senior College in Brunswick, and has offered music-related courses for the organization since 2010.