Since its premiere at The Glimmerglass Festival in 2015, Odyssey has brought Homer’s epic tale to life for young performers and audience members across the country. The hour-long opera features rollicking choruses, tender ballads, a tango, and a Siren song that conveys“a sense of ageless, timeless beauty” (Opera News).
running time: approximately 50 minutes
for 2 adults and 16 or more young people (other configurations are possible—please inquire)
solo roles
Bard 1/Cyclops (adult baritone: D3 to F4)
Bard 2/Siren (adult soprano: D4 to C6)
Penelope (young soprano/mezzo: A3 to F5)
Odysseus (young lyric baritone/ tenor: C3 to E4, opt. F4/G4)
Athena (young soprano/mezzo: D4 to F5, opt. A3)
Poseidon (young baritone: D3 to E4)
First Mate (young lyric baritone/tenor: Bb2 to F4)
Circe (young mezzo: Bb3 to F5)
various other small solo roles emerge from chorus
instrumental forces (three versions available)
Piano/vocal only
Chamber ensemble: piano, percussion, cello, flute/clarinet
Small orchestra: 1 flute, 1 oboe, 1 bassoon, percussion (1 player), timpani (1 player, 2 drums), 1 piano, strings (3-2-2-2-1).
The Glimmerglass Festival, 2015 (world premiere)
David Moody, conductor; Francesca Zambello, director; Eric Sean Fogel, choreographer; Ryan McGettigan, scenery; Erik Reagan Teague, costumes; Peter Mitchell, lighting (production available for rental)
Young People's Chorus of New York City (YPC) at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2017
Francisco Nunez, conductor; Eric Sean Fogel, director and choreographer; S. Katy Tucker, scenery and projections; Sophie Schneider, costumes; Peter Mitchell, lighting
Minnesota Opera, 2018
Matthew Abernathy, conductor; Lindsey Samples, director; Sarah Brandner, scenic coordinator; Ray Steveson, lighting designer; Samantha Haddow, costume coordinator; Jenn Maatman, properties master
The Glimmerglass Festival, 2018
Aurelia Andrews, conductor; Francesca Zambello, director; Ryan McGettigan, scenery; Erik Reagan Teague, costumes; Peter Mitchell, lighting
Coral Reef Cuda Chorus, 2018
Shanpatrick Davis, artistic director and music director; Laura Plyer, choreographer and staging director; Michael Harris, co-music director
Seattle Opera, 2019
Becca Woodbury, music director/conductor; Harry Jamieson, stage director; Miriam Anderson, associate music director; Sapphire Goetz, choreographer; Ta Wei Tsai, pianist; Thorn Michaels; lighting designer; AliRose Panzarella, costume designer; Julia Hayes Welch, scenic designer
Walnut Hill School for the Arts, 2019
Opera Santa Barbara, 2019
National Children’s Chorus Vail, CO Opera Camp, 2022
Johnathan McCullough, director; Dr. Kristen Simpson, conductor; Luke McEndarfer, Artistic Director of NCC
Detroit Opera, 2024
Pacific Opera Victoria, 2025
The Glimmerglass Festival, 2025
Seattle Opera, 2026
Welsh National Opera, 2026
Kentucky Opera, 2026
Washington National Opera, 2026