Tenerife Opera Opens Season with Reimagined Gluck's *Orfeo ed Euridice*

Tenerife Opera begins the year with Orfeo ed Euridice, an opera from 1762 by German composer Christoph Willibald Gluck. This production will be performed at the Auditorio de Tenerife on January 22 and 23 at 7:30 PM.

Details of the show were announced yesterday at an event attended by several key figures: José Carlos Acha, the island's Minister of Culture; José Luis Rivero, artistic director of the Auditorio de Tenerife; Jordi Francés, the musical director; Pep Ramis, one of the stage directors from the Mal Pelo company (which he co-founded with María Muñoz); and solo singers Teresa Iervolino, Ana Vieira Leite, and Mira Alkhovik.

This production, created by the Auditorio de Tenerife, offers a modern take on the ancient Greek myth. It also marks the first time a Baroque opera will be a regular feature in the Tenerife Opera season. José Luis Rivero explained, "Gluck was at a turning point, wanting to combine music, words, and theater. But we felt something was missing: the body. That's why we asked Mal Pelo, a National Dance Award-winning company, to direct the staging."

Jordi Francés spoke about the "archaeological and historical work" involved in bringing an 18th-century score to life for today's audiences. "We approached it with respect and historical knowledge, researching to present this score in a way that resonates with contemporary listeners," said the director, who will lead the Concerto München ensemble.

Pep Ramis stated, "We aimed for the essence of emotions, for simplicity. That's why we've created a stark, concrete stage, which we feel is also fitting for these times." He added, "We fully respect the original story, but we introduce an alternative narrative through projected texts, some our own, others by Shakespeare. The main change is that Eurydice doesn't simply die; she takes her own life. In the end, Orpheus also commits suicide, bringing them together in death so their love can live on beyond everything."

María Muñoz and Pep Ramis collaborated with Lluc Castells for set and costume design, Luis Martí for lighting, and Leo Castro for audiovisuals. The cast also includes the Ópera de Tenerife-Intermezzo Resident Choir, directed by Miguel Ángel Arqued, alongside the three soloists.

Tickets are available online at www.auditoriodetenerife.com, at the box office (Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Saturdays, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM), or by phone at 902 317 327 during the same hours. Various discounts are offered.

For the second year running, the Cabildo provides a free Opera Shuttle service. Two Titsa buses will transport audience members from Adeje and Buenavista del Norte to the Auditorio de Tenerife for all main opera performances. Shuttle tickets can be reserved at www.operadetenerife.com.