The Veil of Orpheus: Cy Twombly and Music

Pierre Henry: The Veil of Orpheus
Matthias Pintscher: Study No. 1 for Treatise on the Veil
Monteverdi: Possente spirto from Orfeo
Harrison Birtwistle: Orpheus Elegies for countertenor, oboe and harp
Matthew Aucoin: This Earth and excerpts from the opera Eurydice (2019)

Anthony Roth Costanzo, countertenor; Kelly Markgraf, baritone; Matthew Aucoin, piano and guest composer; with the participation of REMLABS, Kurt Stallmann, director

A rare showing of Cy Twombly’s monumental painting, The Treatise on the Veil, is the occasion for this unique musical event at the Menil. Da Camera introduces America’s rising star composer Matthew Aucoin to Houston with an intimate preview of his opera, Eurydice, prior to its premiere at the Metropolitan Opera in 2019-20, and welcomes countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo and baritone Kelly Markgraf in their Da Camera debuts.

The timeless Greek myth of Orpheus entering the underworld in search of his deceased beloved, Eurydice, has inspired artists for centuries — from the beginning of opera in Italy to today. From Monteverdi to early electronic music through late 20th-century compositions, this program explores the powerful influences of mythology on visual art and music — in time past and time present.

“a bona-fide star” – The New Yorker on Anthony Ross Costanzo

“if contemporary opera has a rising wunderkind, then Aucoin has to be it” — The New York Times on Matthew Aucoin

Included in the Full Season, Da Camera Chamber Music series and the Da Camera at the Menil series. Or Build Your Own series of any 6-9 concerts.