GRAND RAPIDS – Opera Grand Rapids is delighted to present the Midwest premiere of Christoph Willibald Gluck’s 1774 Paris opera version of “Orpheus and Eurydice” (Orphée et Eurydice), an opera so influential in its style that it set the stage for several subsequent operas and influenced countless composers from Mozart and Beethoven to Wagner.
Previous performances include Seattle, Philadelphia and New York. Grand Rapids can add its name to the small list of cities that feature the opera considered to be a landmark in operatic history.
Opera Grand Rapids presents an innovative interpretation of the opera based on the notorious Greek mythology of Orpheus, a legendary musician that loses his love and, overcome with intolerable grief, ventures to the depths of hell on a rescue mission to save her.
“Orpheus and Eurydice” Stage Director and Conductor Maestro Timothy Nelson, described as “the future of opera” by both The Baltimore Sun and The New York Times, explains why the opera’s music should be the focus of the production.
“What makes ‘Orphée (et Eurydice)’ so amazing, if you take out the dance music, it’s 90-minutes of music straight through,” said Nelson. “It’s just incredibly beautiful.”
Opera Grand Rapids production features haute-contre tenor Zach Finkelstein and sopranos Clara Rottsolk and Chelsea Morris Shephard, boasting repertoire that extends from the Renaissance to the contemporary. A modern take on the age-old tale, the production includes choreography and dance by Hope College’s H2 Dance Company.
Nelson believes that his contemporary interpretation will make the performance more direct, emotional and accessible for audiences.
“Gluck is showing things for how simple they are—three characters, terribly direct, and a story of what happens when you suffer a great loss,” said Nelson. “My vision is to keep it as simple as possible—to make it timeless, and to bring out everything in it to convey its universality, which is also Gluck’s very direct musical language.”
Gluck’s 1774 Paris opera version includes a revision to the original Italian orchestration better suited for French poetry and a haute-conte or high tenor voice part. The opera also includes more innovative dance sequences where the chorus take on the important role of dancers.
Unique to Opera Grand Rapids production will be original costumes and set design. Highlights include beautiful flowing fabrics allowing continuous movement on stage and creative lighting design portraying Orpheus’ chilling journey to the underworld.
Tickets for Opera Grand Rapids’ 2016 season April 8—June 12, including “Orpheus and Eurydice,” are available through Ticketmaster and the Opera Grand Rapids Box Office, (616) 451-2741 or 1320 East Fulton Street. For additional details, including cast lists and production synopses, visit operagr.org.
