September 23. 2017 - June 30. 2018

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September 23. 2017 - June 30. 2018

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New Production Orphée et Eurydice (Orpheus and Eurydice)

One of opera’s most beautiful masterpieces, Gluck’s exquisite drama introduces us to Orpheus, the poet and musician whose every word and note communicate the most overwhelming love for his Eurydice. Refusing to accept her death, he courageously journeys to the Underworld to bring her back to life. The music reaches true heights of eloquence and emotion. Lyric presents Orphée et Eurydice in the Paris version, which contains thrilling ballet sequences that will come to vivid life under the direction and choreography of the legendary John Neumeier. This highly-anticipated production marks Lyric’s first collaboration with The Joffrey Ballet.

Featuring

Language: Sung in French with projected English translations
Running Time: 2 hours, 20 minutes with 1 intermission
Location: Lyric Opera House

Orphée et Eurydice videos

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See what critics are saying about Orphée et Eurydice at Lyric Opera

Director, John Neumeier on what to expect from Orphée et Eurydice

Designer/ Director, John Neumeier, talks about what an audience can expect to see when they come to experience Gluck's, Orphée et Eurydice.

Orphée et Eurydice: The Dancer's 'Pointe' of View

Hear from Principal Dancer, Victoria Jiani, as she discusses what is so wonderful about working with John Neumeier and why you shouldn't miss Lyric Opera's first collaboration with the Joffrey Ballet in Gluck's Orphée et Eurydice.

The Costumes of Orphée et Eurydice

Join Joffrey Ballet's head of wardrobe, Ellie Cotey, as she takes you on a tour of the beautiful costumes of Gluck's, Orphée et Eurydice. Come experience this first ever collaboration with two Chicago art institutions, Lyric Opera of Chicago and Joffrey Ballet.

Director/Choreographer, John Neumeier, on the story of Orphée et Eurydice

Director/Choreographer, John Neumeier, tells you the enchanting story of Orphée et Eurydice.

Orphée et Eurydice

by Christoph Willibald Gluck

Croft, Delunsch; Les Musiciens du Louvre, cond. Minkowski.
Courtesy of Universal Music Group.

“Overture”

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“Objet de mon amour"

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“Viens, Viens, Euridice"

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“Chaconne"

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Orphée et Eurydice

by Christoph Willibald Gluck

Lyric Opera Commentaries are sponsored by the Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Foundation in memory of their parents.

© 2017/18 Lyric Opera Commentaries Original sound recordings of musical excerpts used by permission of Warner Music Group. All rights reserved. Recording & Production services provided by Mark Travis.
A project of the Women’s Board

Commentary by Anthony Freud and Nicholas Ivor Martin

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Orphée et Eurydice articles

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An Intensely Moving Journey to Opening Night: Orphée et Eurydice

Before we enter the world that John Neumeier has created for three outstanding artists plus the combined forces of the Lyric Opera Orchestra and Chorus and The Joffrey Ballet...listen to him tell the story of Orphée et Eurydice. With true love, transformative miracles are possible.

Anticipation Builds for Orphée et Eurydice, Lyric's Season Opener

Orphée et Eurydice, the hauntingly beautiful opera by Christoph Willibald Gluck (1714-87), interprets the ancient Greek myth of poet-musician Orpheus braving the terrors of Hades to rescue his beloved bride Eurydice. Gluck originally wrote this opera in Italian, then revised it extensively for its 1774 Paris premiere, adding significant dance scenes.

Synopsis

Orpheus’s wife, Eurydice, has died and has been sent to the Underworld. Orpheus is given the chance to bring her back to life under one condition: he must not look at Eurydice during the journey. Orpheus faces the many challenges of the Underworld and retrieves Eurydice, being careful not to look at her, but Eurydice refuses to follow him believing he no longer loves her. Orpheus must decide between love and life in this story featuring riveting music, drama, and dance.

Orphée, a choreographer, rehearses his new ballet, The Isle of the Dead – inspired by the painting of Arnold Böcklin. Orphée’s wife Eurydice, the company’s temperamental star performer, is to dance the principal role. She arrives late – they quarrel. Furious, Eurydice leaves the rehearsal.

An accident – Eurydice is dead. Friends and passersby mourn the sudden loss. In shock and tortured by grief and regret, Orphée sadly recalls his wedding. In despair, he suffers a breakdown. His assistant, Amour, comforts him, suggesting the mythical journey of Orpheus into the Underworld.
In his madness, Orphée imagines himself in Hades, where the Furies angrily block his to attempt to pass through the Underworld. He begs them to pity him, explaining that if they had suffered as he has done, they would not be so indifferent. Calmed by Orphée, the Furies allow him to enter Elysium.

Orphée is astonished by the serenity and beauty of Elysium, but he feels that only after being reunited with Eurydice can he savor its joys. His impatience is finally placated when his wife is brought to him. As in the myth, the condition of her being restored to life is that he not look at her until they are back on Earth.
Without looking at his wife, Orphée urges her to follow him quickly. Astonished to realize that she is still alive, Eurydice wonders how this can be, but Orphée refuses to answer any of her pleading questions. Stunned by his silence, her temperament flares up at what she perceives as his indifference. Unable to stand her pleading and accusations any longer, Orphée turns to her. Eurydice dies again. Orphée laments her death bitterly. Amour convinces him that his suffering has conquered all, and that Eurydice will live on in Orphée’s heart, and in the imaginary ballet he created.

—John Neumeier

Program book

Go inside this production of Orphée et Eurydice with engaging articles, notes from the director, a complete plot synopsis, artist bios, and more.

View Digital Program Book

Meet the artists

Dmitry Korchak

Orphée

Russian tenor Dmitry Korchak made his Lyric debut as Orphée/ Orphée et Eurydice (2017|18).

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Andriana Chuchman

Eurydice

Ryan Opera Center alumni

Ryan Opera Center alumni Andriana Chuchman has sung eight roles with Lyric since 2007|08

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Lauren Snouffer

Amour

The American soprano is celebrated as one of the most versatile young artists on the international stage, recognized for an artistic curiosity spanning a wide variety of music from Monteverdi and Hasse to Ligeti and Benjamin.

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Harry Bicket

Conductor

British conductor Harry Bicket's Lyric credits include Ariodante (2018|19) and Orphée et Eurydice (2017|18).

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John Neumeier

Director, Choreographer, Set, Costume & Lighting Designer

The internationally celebrated choreographer and Milwaukee native has won the Herbert von Karajan Prize (2007), the Kyoto Prize (2015), and the first Prix de Lausanne Life Achievement Award (2017).

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Heinrich Tröger

Associate Set Designer

The German set designer Heinrich Tröger has collaborated with John Neumeier since 2011

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Chris Maravich

Lighting Realization

Chris Maravich, Lighting Director, has been with Lyric Opera since 2014

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Michael Black

Chorus Master

Michael Black has served Lyric Opera of Chicago since the 2013/14 Season.

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