Phelim McDermott‘s Olivier Award-winning production of Philip Glass‘s Akhnaten returns to ENO for its first revival, following its sell-out run in 2016.
Akhnaten is a mesmerising work whose text draws on ancient hymns, prayers and inscriptions sung in their original Egyptian, Hebrew and Akkadian. The opera’s unique mood will transport you to the ancient world through music that combines Glass’s characteristic minimalist voice with stylised movement and choreographed juggling to visualise the rhythms of his score.
Philip Glass specialist Karen Kamensek conducts Akhnaten following last season’s Satyagraha revival. Anthony Roth Costanzo returns to ENO in the title role, as do Rebecca Bottone, singing Queen Tye, James Cleverton, Colin Judson and Zachary James. New to the production is Harewood Artist Katie Stevenson as Nefertiti and the bass-baritone Keel Watson as Aye.