Orpheus and Eurydice is a powerful new production from English Touring Opera, bringing one of opera’s most enduring myths to the Lyceum Theatre in Sheffield.
Told through music of profound emotional clarity, this opera explores love, grief and the devastating cost of hope — asking how far someone would go to reclaim the person they love most.
What’s the story?
Orpheus, a gifted musician and son of one of the immortal muses, is left heartbroken by the death of his beloved Eurydice. In his grief, he strikes a bargain with the gods: he may descend into the Underworld to rescue her — but only if he can resist looking back at her until they have both returned to the world of the living.
It’s a simple rule with unbearable consequences, turning a love story into a test of faith, trust and human weakness.
Why is this opera so important?
Composed by Christoph Willibald Gluck, Orpheus and Eurydice is Gluck’s most popular work and a turning point in operatic history.
The opera marked a shift away from excess and ornamentation, focusing instead on:
The expressive power of the human voice
Clear, emotionally driven storytelling
Deep theatrical intensity
Its music and themes continue to resonate with modern audiences centuries after its premiere.
What makes this production special?
English Touring Opera’s new staging brings fresh focus to the emotional core of the myth, combining clarity of storytelling with dramatic musical performance. It’s an intimate yet epic retelling of a timeless story — one that balances beauty with heartbreak.
Who is this event for?
This performance will appeal to:
Opera and classical music lovers
Audiences interested in myth and literature
Fans of emotionally driven theatre
Anyone seeking enriching, memorable things to do in Sheffield
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