You might know the story: Eurydice dies on her wedding day, so her husband, Orpheus, makes a deal with the Gods to travel down to the Underworld to bring her back to the land of the living. Like all Greek myths, there's a catch. Orpheus has to lead Eurydice out of the darkness without looking at her or else he’ll lose her forever. Seems simple enough, but he inevitably glances back, and his bride is sent down to the Underworld for the last time, leaving the devastated Orpheus all alone (and undoubtedly kicking himself for blowing it).
But what's her story?
There's more to Eurydice than her husband's fateful mistake. In fact, there's so much more that we felt compelled to curate an entire festival about it. Inspired by the rapidly-approaching world premiere of Eurydice, artists and scholars across the city will re-examine and re-imagine the ancient myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. Presented through LA Opera Connects, this county-wide celebration unites more than 50 partners for well over 50 events.
It's time to say goodbye to the shadowy figure who was left in the Underworld, and (finally) let Eurydice speak for herself. You can see the full list of events below, but here are 10 we think you'll love:
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Black Orpheus, January 15th - This 1960 Academy Award winner for Best Foreign Language Film, is heading to The Hammer Museum on January 15th at 7:30 p.m. The ancient love story based on the musical Orfeu da Conceição by Vinícius de Moraes features a celebrated bossa nova soundtrack by Antonio Carlos Jobim and Luis Bonfá. Moraes' re-imagining of the Greek myth places Orpheus and Eurydice in the slums of Rio de Janeiro during Carnivale. Oh, did we mention it’s free?
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Another Perfect Day, January 25th - Another traffic jam in L.A.... until an opera breaks out. Infidelity, gentrification, a mother and child reunion, and an earthquake. That’s L.A., baby. Another Perfect Day is a love letter to the city (and it’s in English). Composer Geoff “GG” Gallegos teams up with librettists Velina Hasu Houston and Shishir Kurup for this one-night-only performance. Choose your price for this special show at A Noise Within.
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Goddess Fashion Luncheon, January 27th - Fashion historian Dr. Kimberly Chrisman Campbell finds the real fashion goddesses. 18th century fashion and art (and much more) will be the topic of discussion while you enjoy The Ebell of Los Angeles’ art collection.
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Reading of Mary Zimmerman’s Metamorphoses, January 31st - The Antaeus Theatre Company presents a reading of Mary Zimmerman’s Metamorphoses, the original inspiration for our opera. A conversation with the playwright-turned-director will follow right in our very own Stern Grand Hall. The event is free, but an RSVP is required.
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Reading of Sarah Ruhl’s Eurydice, February 2nd - You have your tickets for the opera (right?), but here’s your chance to hear the play that inspired it. The Getty Villa will host a staged reading of Sarah Ruhl’s Eurydice. An interactive conversation with her and composer (and fellow MacArthur Genius Award recipient) Matthew Aucoin will follow. Hear some selections from the opera, performed by our very own Young Artists.
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UCLA Evening of Poetry, February 4th - An evening of poetry readings and recitations inspired by the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice? Co-curated by Matthew Aucoin? Count us in! Get to The Hammer Museum early because seating is first come, first served.
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Colburn School: Women in Classical Music Symposium, February 9th - Are you a hard-working woman in the classical music community of Los Angeles,? Well, this event is for you. Network and engage with your peers at a symposium presented by The Colburn School and The Hildegards: a group for women in classical music.
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We All Look to the Stars, February 13th - Drawing on myths and writing from different cultures, and inspired by the constellation Lyra, this event is a musical celebration of the wonders of the night sky. Bringing together LA Opera artists with students and faculty from Pasadena City College and the local community at the Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens, we embrace our universal, human connection with a journey through the night sky in song.
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Don’t Look Back, February 14th (Post-show talk) - Marike Splint, Assistant Professor, Directing Department of Theater, School of Theater, Film and Television at UCLA, discusses Don’t Look Back, her innovative sonic walk and the role that new media will play in the future of opera. But wait, what's her sonic walk all about? Download the sonic walk MP3 (available January 15th), and get ready for your own journey between the Underworld and Land of the Living. L.A. is the backdrop to your adventure, specifically on the purple Metro line between Union Station and Wilshire/Western. Interested in coming to this post-performance talk? Make sure you have your ticket(s) for Eurydice on the 14th.
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Neuroscience and Creativity, February 20th (Post-show talk) - What’s cooler than learning about our brains? Neuroscientists of the Brain and Creativity Institute will discuss how a multitude of brain processes including memory, imagination, emotion, abstract inference and social knowledge are involved when we hear or read stories during this post-show talk. Everyone with tickets to Eurydice on February 20th is welcome to attend.
Want to know more about the festival or see the other events we have planned through March? Head to our Eurydice Found page to plan your festival experience.
