The myth of Orpheus and his lute takes centre stage in Gluck’s Orfeo ed Euridice (1762).

The first of Gluck’s “reform” operas, Orfeo was written for Vienna’s Burgtheater and marked a new era in the composer’s career. Gluck rejected the excesses of opera seria and aimed for a new vocal simplicity while drawing on the orchestral sophistication and rich dance music of French tragédie lyrique. Praised by later figures from Berlioz to Wagner, the opera’s innovative use of declamation and its magnificent orchestration made it a touchstone for generations of composers who sought to return opera to its poetic roots.

A concert performance in Italian with English surtitles.

Please note start time.

Recommended age: 7+.

5.45-6.15pm: Pre-performance talk by Dr Francesco Milella of Cambridge University (for ticket holders only)