The new opera Eurydice receives its world premiere at the LA Opera on February 1, 2020. Based on the ancient myth of Orpheus and Eurydice and centered around Eurydice’s point of view, the opera is composed by LA Opera’s resident composer Matthew Aucoin and playwright Sarah Ruhl, who are both winners of the MacArthur GENIUS AWARDS.

In this presentation, Bettyna will provide samples outlining the evolution of Eurydice the character as depicted in early operas, where she is shown as a very minor character, to the LA Opera production, where she is the main protagonist. This presentation will also show samples of operas and other musical and poetic forms of the ancient myth, such as Cocteau’s 1950’s “Orfee” (one of a trilogy of films) and the 1960’s award-winning Brazilian movie “Orfeo Negro”.

2020 is the centennial of the women’s vote and Los Angeles will be celebrating the premiere of Eurydice in a county-wide festival of performances, conversations and happenings called “EURYDICE FOUND”. You are invited to join us on the journey.