Orpheus and Eurydice at Den Norske Opera & Ballett

Christoph Willibald Gluck has gone down in music history as one of opera's great reformers. Gluck felt that music theatre in his day had become too distant from its original concept. Superficial effects and circus-like entertainment were in the way of the interplay between text and music. He wished to return opera to its original ideals. His first opera in this new style was Orpheus and Eurydice.

The myth of Orpheus, who journeys to the underworld to save his beloved Eurydice, is about love and the transcending power of the music. Gluck illustrates Orpheus' journey and his encounter with angry Furies and Blessed Spirits, with music that is free of effects yet which arouses strong feelings. It is pure and balanced, with dark and light, simpleness and pathos in perfect equilibrium.

This is the first time in a long time that we are able to present a coproduction between the Norwegian National Opera and the Norwegian National Ballet. House choreographer Jo Strømgren has directed, choreographed and done the scenography, and contra-tenor Lawrence Zazzo sings the role of Orpheus. Audiences can also look forward to hearing once again conductor Rinaldo Alessandrini.