Orpheus in the Underworld (Orphée aux enfers)

The Department of Voice and the University Symphony Orchestra are back in action with a production that’s going to take you on a wild ride!

Now, you’ve heard the tale of Orpheus and Eurydice in various forms, but get ready for something completely different. This time, we’ve got a cheeky twist for you, courtesy of French composer Jacques Offenbach. Orpheus is not the divine son of Apollo but instead a lackluster music teacher, and his marriage to Eurydice is far from harmonious. Eurydice secretly loves Aristée, who is actually Pluto in disguise. As Aristée serenades with a pastoral ode to sheep, Eurydice suspects foul play, believing Orpheus plans to harm him. In reality, Orpheus and Pluto scheme to eliminate her. Pluto dupes Eurydice into the deadly trap, revealing his true form as she succumbs in. They descend to the Underworld, leaving a note for Orpheus. Just as Orpheus begins to…