
Orpheus and Eurydice
Edinburgh International Festival 2025

Circa joins with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and a chorus from Scottish Opera for the European premiere of this electrifying production of Gluck’s seminal opera.
Journey to the underworld and back with Opera Australia, presenting Opera Queensland’s production of Orpheus and Eurydice in association with Circa.
Heartbroken Orpheus has the chance to rescue his wife Eurydice from the underworld. But there's one condition: he mustn’t look at her during their long journey home. Can he resist the temptation to gaze into his true love’s eyes?
Soaring vocals, hypnotic visuals and acrobatic feats plunge you into an ancient tale of love, lust and loss. Gramophone Award-winning countertenor Iestyn Davies stars as Orpheus, haunted by visions of Eurydice, performed by Australian soprano Samantha Clarke. As Orpheus descends into insanity, Eurydice’s own descent into the underworld takes magnificent, aerial form.
Supported by James and Morag Anderson with additional support from Vivienne and Robin Menzies.
Sung in Italian with English surtitles. A keepsake freesheet is available at the venue for this performance.
Photo: Keith Saunders