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Glass built an opera by exploring the invisible forces that influence the internal, interpersonal, and universal aspects of existence.
"For the life of the dead consists in the memory of the living"
Marcus Tullius Cicero: Philippic IX
Philip Glass, an influential American composer with a catalog that includes film soundtracks, chamber music, music for dance, symphonies, theatrical pieces, and various forms of opera, decided to dedicate a trilogy of operas to great revolutionary figures in history. Following Einstein on the Beach (1976), which explored notions of time and space, and Satyagraha (1980), where he delved into Gandhi's spiritual and political revelation of nonviolence, came Akhnaten (1984), the culmination of this monumental portrait project.
Akhnaten tells the story of one of the most influential figures in history: the first pharaoh to transition from worshiping a pantheon of gods to just one, making Aten, the Sun, the sole deity of his kingdom. The award-winning countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo will take on the complex lead role, alongside Rihab Chaieb as Nefertiti.
Using texts from the era (ancient hymns, prayers, and inscriptions sung in their original Egyptian, Hebrew, and Akkadian), including a poem by Akhenaten himself, the opera traces his brilliant reign from his accession to the throne after the death of his father, Amenhotep III, to his downfall. Akhnaten features some iconic moments of minimalist music, such as the fabulous Coronation Scene.
Glass created an opera by exploring the invisible forces that influence the internal (psychological), interpersonal (political), and universal (mystical) aspects of existence, themes uniquely represented through the composer’s mesmerizing musical lines. The opera offers a captivating portrayal of the protagonists’ deepest emotions (excitement, fulfillment, despair) through musical forms such as glorious hymns, obsessive repetitions, and painful laments: sounds that emerge from the very depths of the characters’ souls.
Set during Akhenaten's 17-year reign, around 1350 BCE, Akhnaten transports the audience to the fascinating world of ancient Egypt, filled with rituals and codes. Philip Glass’s masterful minimalist music is paired with a stunning production by Phelim McDermott (Metropolitan Opera House and English National Opera), featuring stylized movements, choreographed juggling by Gandini Juggling, and sumptuous costumes designed by Kevin Pollard.
This is one of the most significant premieres in the national territory in recent decades. A hypnotic score and a sensual staging brimming with visual magic.
Opera in three acts.
Libretto by Philip Glass in collaboration with Shalomon Goldman, Robert Israel, and Richard Riddell.
- World premiere: 24/03/1984 at the Württembergische Staatstheater Stuttgart
- Barcelona premiere
With exclusive sponsorship
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With funding from the Ministry of Culture, within the framework of Barcelona’s Cultural Capital initiative promoted by the Ministry of Culture and the Barcelona City Council
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Dates and tickets
| Exclusive function for under 35s | |||||
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Special sessions
- October 31: Breathing the Opera – Mindfulness session
- November 3: Live audio description service
Are you between 18 and 35 years old?
Join the LiceUnder35 Community and see Akhnaten for just €20 on October 16 at 7:30 pm
Tickets on sale on Tuesday, September 16 at 3 p.m.
- Act one 48 min
- Pause 20 min
- Act two 48 min
- Pause 30 min
- Act three 40 min
For the Under35 performance, the first intermission will be 30 minutes and the second intermission will be 35 minutes.
Artistic profile
- Stage direction
- Phelim McDermott
- Set design
- Tom Pye
- Costume design
- Kevin Pollard
- Lighting design
- Bruno Poet
- Choreography
- Sean Gandini
- Production
- English National Opera and LA Opera
- Assistant to the musical direction
- Miquel Massana
- Musical assistant coaches
- Véronique Werklé, Vanessa Garcia, Amandine Duchênes, David-Huy Nguyen-Phong and Jaume Tribó
- Chorus of the Gran Teatre del Liceu
- Conductor Pablo Assante
- Symphony Orchestra of the Gran Teatre del Liceu
- Conductor Karen Kamensek
- Juggling company Gandini Juggling
- Sean Gandini, Kati Ylä-Hokkala, Benjamin Beaujard, Doreen Grossmann, José Triguero, Caio Sorana, Enrique Navarro, Fernando Torres, Miguel Barreto and Nicolás Fonseca
- Tutankhamun child
- Nil Rodríguez and Naira Oller
Cast
Cast change
- Mezzo-soprano Carol García will take on the role of Ankhesenpaaten. Gemma Coma-Alabert will not perform in this production due to scheduling conflicts.
Get ready for 'Akhnaten'
Special sessions
Breathing the Opera
Breathing the Opera is a 30-minute guided session led by coach Mònica Arús, with a soundscape by music therapist Núria Andorrà, where we will practise simple breathing, relaxation and mindfulness exercises to enter a state of calm and openness that will help us enjoy the performance with presence and awareness.
Friday, October 31
6:15 pm
Sold Out
Audiodescription
Live audio description service during one performance of each staged opera, providing narration about key visual elements to benefit blind and visually impaired audience members. The service consists of two parts: an audio introduction fifteen minutes before the performance begins, and simultaneous audio description during the show.
LiveVoice App
To access the audio description, simply click on Audiodescription at the Liceu, or open the LiveVoice app and enter the code: 075177.
Monday, November 3
7:30 pm