Orpheus and Eurydice, lovers doomed to be forever apart, all because Orpheus turned around. But what if that’s not the real story? There’s more to Eurydice than that fateful moment. With Eurydice Found, we’ve set out to explore (and reimagine) a fascinating story with a mysterious woman. But you don’t need to spend a lifetime in the Underworld to understand Eurydice. Whether you have five minutes or five hours you can learn about opera, history, and the ancient stories and myths that inspired the world-premiere opera Eurydice. Keep reading to find your perfect way to connect to opera.
I HAVE FIVE MINUTES
Podcasts, podcasts, podcasts. You can listen wherever and whenever. Take a listen to the artists behind the festival events, opera history and more. Need the Cliff Notes for the myth? Click here for a handy refresher.
Listen here
I HAVE 30 MINUTES
Go on a soundwalk. Don’t Look Back is an Orpheus-inspired experiential soundwalk leading the listener through the streets of L.A. In this site-specific experience created by innovative director Marike Splint, the landscape of the city becomes the setting for your own journey between the underworld and the land of the living.
Available to download Jan 15 at marikesplint.com.
I HAVE ONE HOUR
Pop into your local library for a free Opera Talk from one of volunteer Community Educators. You’ll be transported into the historical and cultural worlds of opera with talks focused on Eurydice.
Find a Talk
I HAVE TWO HOURS
There are so many events to choose from! Here are two coming up soon but you can explore more here.
JAN 30 // 7:30 PM
USC VISIONS AND VOICES: THE LIFE AND AFTERLIFE OF EURYDICE (AND ORPHEUS) IN OPERA
Composer/conductor Matthew Aucoin and playwright Sarah Ruhl will be joined by UCLA professor Kenneth Reinhard and singers from LA Opera’s Young Artist Program for an evening of musical performance and conversation. The event will explore the original and ongoing role of the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice in the history of Western opera. Both the musical performances and the discussion will range from earlier Orphic music by Monteverdi and Gluck to recent pieces by Harrison Birtwistle and others, including excerpts from Aucoin’s new opera.
Find out more and RSVP
JAN 31 // 7:30 PM
ANTAEUS THEATRE COMPANY: A READING OF MARY ZIMMERMAN’S METAMORPHOSES
Adapted from classic Ovid poem, Metamorphoses explores the classic myth. Antaeus Theatre Company presents a reading followed by a conversation with playwright Mary Zimmerman. Presented in Stern Grand Hall at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.
Find out more and RSVP
I HAVE FIVE HOURS
Explore the art of Eurydice around Los Angeles with Art Muse Los Angeles. This online map helps Angelenos discover the astonishingly rich and fascinating works of art found within our museums, galleries and public spaces that reveal facets of the Orpheus and Eurydice myth. Paintings and sculptures are paired with poetry, facts and musical excerpts across the city’s landscape. You will want to look twice and thrice, if not backwards too, at the numerous works of art that illustrate the myth’s enduring power to enchant us.
Explore the Guide
