Kasper Holten Directs a Modern Masterpiece

The premise echoes the great Greek tragedies: a relentless cycle of bloodshed and vengeance. Orestes, driven by revenge for his father’s murder, has slain his own mother and her lover. Now, Orestes is hopelessly trapped in his guilt, caught in a situation where violence breeds violence.

The opera Orest opens with a scream, setting the tone for the intense story of people locked in an endless spiral of revenge. Executive Director Kasper Holten returns to his role as stage director, interpreting Manfred Trojahn’s powerful, modern opera from 2011. The theatre’s newly appointed Principal Conductor, Marie Jacquot, brings the intense and dramatic music to life.

“The ancient Greek tragedies hold a profound relevance for us today. They serve as a mirror reflecting our own humanity. But in Orest, that mirror is shattered – we’re plunged into the claustrophobic world of unresolved trauma. Yet, at its core, Orest tells us that we can break free from destructive patterns and choose a different path,” says Kasper Holten.

Orest features music and libretto by the German multi-talent Manfred Trojahn, one of the greatest opera composers of our time. Now, for the first time, our opera audience can enjoy the opportunity to experience one of his operas in Denmark. Orest resumes the narrative thread of Orestes’ tragic journey after killing his mother, a story begun in Richard Strauss’ Elektra, performed by the Royal Danish Opera last year. Musically, Trojahn builds upon Strauss’ expressionistic language, creating a score that spans from raw, visceral power to moments of delicate introspection.

The German heroic tenor Christoph Pohl takes on the role of Orestes, alongside the Royal Danish Opera’s soloists Elisabeth Jansson as Elektra and Gert Henning-Jensen as Menelaus.

Orest premiered in 2011, commissioned by the Dutch National Opera. Since then, it has been performed on several of the world’s leading opera stages. Critics have praised Orest for its profound exploration of the human condition and its message of hope amidst tragedy. The opera’s impact was recognised in 2012 when it was named “World Premiere of the Year” by the leading German opera magazine Opernwelt.

Orest will be performed in German with Danish supertitles.

Orest | New Production | Old Stage | 19 September – 5 October 2024

Read more about Orest HERE