If Opera: Orpheus in the Underworld

Jacques Offenbach Orpheus in the Underworld

Libretto by Hector Crémieux and Ludovic Halévy
Sung (mostly) in J R Planché’s London version (1865)
Narrative script and lyrics for five additional numbers by Simon Butteriss
Two act version first performed 21st October 1858 at the Théâtre des Bouffes-Parisiens

Michael Waldron conductor
Simon Butteriss director
Elliott Squire associate designer
Luca Panetta lighting designer
Bristol Ensemble

Sung in English with surtitles

Offenbach’s Orpheus in the Underworld scandalized and delighted 19th century Paris – no one was safe and nothing was sacred as Offenbach cut a gleeful swathe through political, musical and moral peccadilloes with a dazzlingly tuneful score that embraced both the Can-Can and the Marseillaise. Offenbach, dubbed by Rossini the Mozart of the Champs Elysées, pokes hilarious fun at po-faced classical opera in general and Gluck in particular as Orpheus is dragged to Hell to rescue an unwilling wife, accompanied by the Gods, in search of Bacchanalian joy.

“National treasure” (BBC Music Magazine) Simon Butteriss adapts and directs what promises to be an outrageously joyous version of Offenbach’s comic masterpiece.

4.30pm Gardens & restaurant open
7pm Performance starts
9pm Approximate end

Running time: two hours with half-hour interval

Tickets £30 to £120, available online at www.ifopera.com/orpheus-in-the-underworld and from Bath Box Office on 01225 463362.