Steven Mackey: Orpheus Unsung

This world premiere production will feature Sō Percussion’s Jason Treuting and musicians of The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. A volatile combination of music, kaleidoscopic cinematic imagery and dance shape the narrative engine of Orpheus Unsung, an opera without words composed by Grammy-Award winning composer Steven Mackey in collaboration with percussionist/composer Jason Treuting. Mackey, known for his “explosive and ethereal imagination” (Gramophone), offers a fresh 21st century interpretation of the legend that has inspired so many artists and composers before him. Orpheus, portrayed by the electric guitar and performed by Mackey himself, is cast into chaos searching for sense and meaning in his own story. DeChiazza and Mackey’s multimedia creation will be presented alongside two of Mackey’s most engaging and personal string quartets, Physical Property and Ars Moriendi, performed by musicians of The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra.