FIU Opera Theater: Christoph Willibald Gluck’s Paride ed Elena

A rarely staged work from the reform-era opera tradition brings myth, lyricism and emotional clarity to the stage through a focused, character-driven production. Centered on the courtship of Paris, prince of Troy, and Helen of Sparta, the opera explores desire, choice and fate in the calm before the events that will lead to the Trojan War.

Composed by Christoph Willibald Gluck, Paride ed Elena reflects the composer’s break from operatic excess in favor of expressive restraint, elegant structure and direct emotional storytelling. The score emphasizes vocal clarity and dramatic flow, offering a refined alternative to more spectacle-driven interpretations of classical myth.

This FIU Opera Theater production is directed by Professor Robert B. Dundas and features singers from the Division of Vocal Performance, with the FIU Symphony Orchestra conducted by Dr. Javier Mendoza. FIU Opera Theater: Christoph Willibald Gluck’s Paride ed Elena takes place February 6 and 7 at the Herbert and Nicole Wertheim School of Music & Performing Arts.