'Akhnaten' Opera Talk, J. Engel

Composer: Philip Glass

Director Phelim McDermott tackles another one of Philip Glass's masterpieces, following the now-legendary Met staging of Satyagraha. Star countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo is the title pharaoh, the revolutionary ruler who transformed ancient Egypt, with the striking mezzo-soprano J'Nai Bridges in her Met debut as his wife, Nefertiti. To match the opera's hypnotic, ritualistic music, McDermott has created an arresting vision that includes a virtuosic company of acrobats and jugglers. Karen Kamensek conducts in her Met debut. This production was originally created by English National Opera and LA Opera.Music historian Jeffrey Engel will present today's opera talk, offering historical context for the composer and the opera story. Registration is appreciated.