Nefertiti in Akhnaten (cv) – LA Opera

Hailed by critics and beloved by audiences, this eagerly anticipated revival transports you to Ancient Egypt in Philip Glass’s enthralling portrait of a trailblazing pharaoh. Countertenor John Holiday is the titular Akhnaten, determined to lead Egypt into a new age even as his plan to abandon the old gods puts his kingdom (and his life) in peril. Mezzo-soprano Sun-Ly Pierce is his queen Nefertiti, soprano So Young Park is the powerful dowager Queen Tye, and Grammy winner Zachary James reprises his memorable role as Amenhotep III, leading the audience through the ritualistic action on the stage.

Director Phelim McDermott revives his visually arresting production, replete with soaring acrobats, astonishing jugglers, and towering sets. With a libretto drawing on ancient texts like The Book of the Dead and a hypnotic, atmospheric score, Akhnaten portrays a doomed visionary with all his feats and foibles. Finland’s Dalia Stasevska makes her company debut conducting this tribute to one of the most transformative chapters in Egyptian history.