Dance ensemble Mal Pelo, winners of Spain’s National Dance Award, in charge of stage direction
Ópera de Tenerife begins the year by reaffirming its focus on Baroque with this season’s production of Orfeo ed Euridice by German composer Christoph W. Gluck. Event details were shared by Tenerife Island Councillor for Cultural Affairs José Carlos Acha, Artistic Director José Luis Rivero, music director Jordi Francés, stage director Pep Ramis of Mal Pelo, María Muñoz, and soloists Teresa Iervolino, Ana Vieira Leite, and Mira Alkhovik.
José Carlos Acha announced that performances will be held at the Auditorio de Tenerife’s Symphony Hall on 22 and 23 January at 7:30 p.m. He noted, ‘This in-house production brings the well-known Greek myth to the stage in a contemporary format, showcasing opera in all its glory’.
José Luis Rivero confirmed the addition of another Baroque work to the season, noting, ‘We’re practically starting at the end, as this piece belongs to the reform movement between Baroque and Neoclassicism’. He emphasised that this work is essential because it marks a moment of change in operatic history, bringing music and theatre together to enhance the transmission of emotions. Rivero added, ‘Gluck lived at a pivotal time in operatic history and sought to combine music, words, and theatre. However, I felt the corporeal expression was missing, which is why I invited Mal Pelo to direct, given their expertise in Baroque music and their National Dance Award.
Jordi Francés highlighted the extensive historical research required to adapt the 18th-century score for modern audiences. He explained that the team approached this research to put this score in the context of being heard today, taking into account contemporary sensitivities. Francés, who will conduct Concerto München, added, ‘Gluck and librettist Ranieri de’ Calzabigi put their hearts into this opera with honesty. We’ve taken a purely emotional approach to this production, honouring their commitment while considering today’s music.
Pep Ramis expressed gratitude to José Luis Rivero for inviting Mal Pelo to participate, noting, ‘This is our first time working in opera, and having two choreographers direct is unusual. We focused on the essentiality of emotions and simplicity, resulting in an austere, specific scenic design suited to modern times. He continued, ‘We fully respect the original libretto but have introduced a counternarrative through projected texts, some original and some taken from Shakespeare. The main difference is that Euridice does not die; she commits suicide, and ultimately, so does Orfeo. They are united through death, demonstrating that love endures all circumstances.
Mezzo-soprano Teresa Iervolino, who performs the lead role of Orfeo, stated, ‘What’s important here is the inner journey and its significance. Myths always represent feelings, and Orfeo must endure great pain on this journey. For me, this production is about giving our all, uniting word, music, and movement. It is challenging for singers to find the inner focus needed to interpret these characters, but we hope we have succeeded and that our work will resonate with audiences.
Ana Vieira Leite, who plays Euridice, said, ‘It’s an honour to take on this role. Although I have performed it before in French, this production feels like a blank page, something entirely new to me. Embracing Pep and María’s vision has been fascinating. The addition of the suicide element brings greater pain to the characters, but also a sense of hope. She also appreciated the focus on corporal expression, stating, ‘Exploring the possibilities of our movements enhances our expression’.
Mira Alkhovik, who plays the role of Amore, shared, ‘This is my first time in Tenerife. Visiting the Teide National Park yesterday inspired me to interpret my character as love itself. I have realised that love is like a forest in which you can get lost; like an immense desert, a fresh ocean, or an impressive mountain range. It is not only about beauty but also involves struggle, strength, and resilience. In short, the landscape of Tenerife has broadened my perspective, and I hope to connect with the audience in this way’.
The stage design by María Muñoz and Pep Ramis is intended to be profoundly aesthetic, poetic, and ethical. They are supported by set and costume designer Lluc Castells, lighting designer Luis Martí, and audiovisual artist Leo Castro, who will project messages onto the scenery. The team also includes music director Jordi Francés, the three soloists, and the Main Choir Ópera de Tenerife-Intermezzo, led by Miguel Ángel Arqued.
The music will be performed in the orchestra pit by the Baroque ensemble Concerto München, led by music director Johannes Berger. Additionally, an onstage orchestra will interact with the characters, featuring Adrián Linares (violin I), Isaac Pulet (violin II), Leticia Moros (viola), Ángela Lobato (cello), Justo Sanz (chalumeau), and Manuel Vilas (baroque harp), along with dancers from the Mal Pelo ensemble.
Orfeo ed Euridice by Gluck, with an Italian libretto by Raniero de Calzabigi, premiered in Vienna in 1762. In this production, Mal Pelo offers a unique interpretation of the Orpheus myth, exploring love and loss through narrative and physical movement.
The Baroque orchestra Concerto München supports the performance, not to replicate period sonority, but to adapt the opera’s 18th-century style for modern audiences.
This work represents a pivotal moment in operatic development, prioritising text over vocal virtuosity. It avoids the elaborate ornamentation typical of the composer’s contemporaries and gives the chorus a dramatic role.
The tickets are available on the website www.auditoriodetenerife.com, at the auditorium’s box office or by dialling the phone number 902 317 327 from Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Check the special discounts for the audience under 30 years of age, students, unemployed people, and large families.
The Island Council has launched the shuttle service ‘Lanzadera Ópera’ for the second consecutive season, with two of TITSA’s public buses to provide spectators with free transport from Adeje and Buenavista to the Auditorio de Tenerife for every performance in the Ópera de Tenerife subscription series. The free tickets are available at www.operadetenerife.com
Ópera de Tenerife is an initiative organised by the Island Council through the Auditorio de Tenerife with the sponsorship of the ICDC (Regional Institute of Cultural Development) and the INAEM (National Institute of Performing Arts and Music).