Orfeo ed Euridice
Orfeo is so consumed with grief at the death of his beloved Euridice that the gods allow him to lead her back from the underworld - if he will not look at her on the way. But who can resist looking at a loved one?
Premiered in 1762, Orfeo ed Euridice is a turning point in the history of opera. Freeing the plot from the conventions of the 18th century opera seria, Gluck introduces fluidity to the drama. The rigid alternation of aria and recitativo is abandoned; continuity and unity are the cornerstones of Gluck's reform. The movement of Gluck’s music - with its lyrical intensity and the interweaving of chorus, solo singing and dance - appeals to theatre makers from all horizons. Daegu Opera House’s new production of Gluck’s Orfeo ed Euridice was the closing production of the 22nd Daegu International Opera Festival, in line with the festival’s message, Per Sempre. It is conducted by Junghyun James Cho and directed by Sookjeong Eom with a local cast of Korean opera singers of the sort in demand right across the world.
CAST
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Orfeo
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Jungmi Kim
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Euridice
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Heejin Oh
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Amore
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Junghyun Lee
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Orchestra
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Daegu International Opera Orchestra
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Chorus
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Daegu Opera Choir
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Music
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Christoph Willibald Gluck
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Text
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Ranieri de’ Calzabigi
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Junghyun James Cho
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Director
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Sookjeong Eom
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Choreographer
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Youngnam Kim
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Sets
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Hyunjung Kim
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Costumes
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Jaehee Lee
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Lights
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Gilhwan Moon
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Video
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Sooho Jang
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STORY
Act I
After the sudden death of his beloved wife Euridice, Orfeo is consumed by grief. Moved by his sorrow, Amor grants him the chance to bring her back from the Underworld, on one condition: he must not look at her until they have returned to the world above. Determined, Orfeo begins his journey.
Act II
Orfeo reaches the Underworld, where his beautiful lyre softens the hearts of the Furies and opens the gates before him. In the peaceful Elysian Fields, he finds Euridice and leads her back toward the world of the living.
Act III
As they return, Euridice cannot understand why Orfeo refuses to look at her and believes he no longer loves her. Unable to explain the promise he made, Orfeo finally turns to face her, causing her to disappear once again. Seeing his unwavering devotion, Amor restores Euridice to life, and the lovers are reunited in a celebration of love’s triumph over death.
Gallery
