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 (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)
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 Cantrell, 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