For centuries, artists, writers, and musicians throughout history have interpreted the Orpheus myth as a triumph of art over death. Inspired by this idea, local musicians have partnered with St. Marks Methodist Church and the Helene G. Simion Hillel Center in presenting a contemporary production of Christoph Willibald Gluck’s most popular opera, Orfeo ed Euridice, as a benefit for the American Red Cross and their efforts in Haiti. The performance will take place on Sunday, May 2, 2010 at 7:00 pm at St. Mark’s Methodist Church located at 100 N State Road 46 in Bloomington.
In Christoph Willibald Gluck’s retelling of the Greek myth, Orfeo mourns the sudden death of his beloved wife Euridice. His mournful music is so stirring that Amor, the god of love, gives Orfeo a second chance: he may go to the underworld and bring Euridice back to life. However, if Orfeo looks at her, she will die forever. Orfeo travels to the underworld, where he faces the Furies and after beguiling them with his singing, finally arrives in the Elysian Fields, a beautiful place in the underworld. Euridice is there and the Blessed Spirits reunite her with her husband. As they begin their journey back to earth, Euridice grows upset that her husband will not look at her and begins to doubt his true love. Does he turn around to prove his love or save her life by looking away?
The benefit performance features local artists, including mezzo-soprano Laura Thoreson as Orfeo, and sopranos Sara Radke as Euridice and Katie Polit as Amor. John P. Leonard will conduct the production staged by Ken Pereira. The production also features a full orchestra and chorus of musicians all volunteering their time and talents to help make a difference.
Location: 100 N State Road 46, Bloomington, IN, 47408
Attending:
0
Maybe attending:
0