Orpheus: Claudio Monteverdi and Jasdeep Singh Degun

We are presented with a reimagining of one of the earliest works in the operatic tradition, Claudio Monteverdi’s Orfeo. This production creates a dialogue between seventeenth-century Italian musical structures and the melodic complexities of the sitar, as Jasdeep Singh Degun joins the ensemble. You will hear the familiar textures of early baroque strings intertwined with the resonant, intricate plucked sounds of Indian classical music. The evening is shaped by this weaving of two distinct musical heritages, aiming to find common ground in a story of love and grief. Listen for the way the different instrumental groups respond to one another; the traditional continuo sections of the western opera are expanded to include the rhythmic and melodic patterns of the east. Rather than a standard revival, this is an exploration of how these two ancient traditions can exist simultaneously on the same stage to serve a single narrative.

Opera North is a major UK touring company based in Leeds, known for its versatile approach to lyric theatre and its willingness to step beyond the standard repertoire. They are joined here by Jasdeep Singh Degun, a prominent sitar player and composer recognised for his work in both classical Indian music and cross-cultural collaborations. The ensemble regularly performs across the north of England, bringing large-scale productions to a variety of concert halls and theatres. In this instance, the company brings together specialists in early music and Indian classical traditions to form a unique collaborative sound.

The performance takes place at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, a venue noted for its clear acoustics which should suit this blend of delicate instrumentation. The total running time is approximately 170 minutes, which is a significant duration; you should plan for a full evening at the theatre. As a reimagining of an Italian opera, you can expect the text to be delivered in a way that reflects its origins, though specific details regarding surtitles have not been confirmed. With tickets starting at twelve pounds, it remains accessible for those curious about experimental or cross-cultural operatic works.