Playwright Sarah Ruhl presents a potentially interesting twist to the Greek myth about Orpheus’ descent into the underworld to rescue his bride, Eurydice. Numerous composers, writers, artists, filmmakers and musicians — from Tennessee Williams, Marcel Camus and Titian to Nick Cave and Arcade Fire — have riffed about Orpheus’ travails, but Ruhl upends expectations by refashioning the story from the heroine’s perspective in the new opera Eurydice, composed by conductor Matthew Aucoin and presented by L.A. Opera in its world premiere with lyric soprano Danielle de Niese in the title role. Aucoin’s previous work has been underwhelming, but Ruhl’s artful words should provide the spark that was missing in Crossing, the composer’s dreary Walt Whitman homage.

Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown; Sat., Feb. 1, 7:30 p.m.; through Sun., Feb. 23, 2 p.m.; $15-$284. (213) 972-0711, laopera.org. 

 

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