A K H N A T E N

This new "must-see" opera at the Metropolitan Opera House is written by the brilliant

composer and great music master,  PHILLIP GLASS, and conducted by Karen Kamensek.

The role of Akhnaten is sung by Anthony  Roth  Costanzo  who  takes us back

to Egypt in 1300 BC  and changes religion from 72 gods to one God, Aten, the Sun God, and builds an entire new city -Armana.

The opening score  starts with low key notes, in a repetitive quiet, hypnotic  and meditative sound

as though we were chanting OMs while mummification was going on. We can feel the deep throat

sadness during this funeral process .  We experience the lamentation by the huge chorus..and dark candlelight quality.The music is exuberant in the coronation ceremonies of the King  his son, King Tut, played by the 12-year old Oscar Rempe-Hiam, poetic in the love duet of the King and Nefertiti, and explosive in the destruction of the regime and city, by the temple priests who wish to regain their power and kill the King., 

The exquisite golden robes match the gigantic golden sun

Mr. Glass incorporates Egyptian, Akkadian, Hebrew languages. 

The unusual staging for this work  which includes nudity and jugglers is created by Phelim McDermott.

Mr. Glass has composed 28 operas, 12 symphonies, piano conceti, film scores.  He has collaborated with DAVID BOWIE,  PAUL SIMON, TWYLA THARP, MARTIN SCORSESE