Composing for the Sun: A Conversation with Philip Glass

Philip Glass

Contemporary Opera Talk & Live Music

Wednesday, November 6, 6:30 PM — Followed by a MetLife Meet-the-Artists Reception

Unfortunately, due to a sudden illness while on tour in Europe, Philip Glass will be unable to participate in Composing for the Sun: A Conversation with Philip Glass. As a result, we have to cancel our upcoming event. All credit card ticket purchases will be automatically reimbursed for this event. We wish Mr. Glass a speedy recovery.

In conjunction with the Metropolitan Opera’s presentation of a new production of Akhnaten, Japan Society hosts a conversation with the opera’s celebrated composer Philip Glass. The opera’s title character, an ancient Egyptian pharaoh, moved his society toward the worship of a single god and considered himself the only son of the sun. His sun-god focused religion suggests interesting comparisons and contrasts with Japanese imperial mythology that described the emperor of Japan as a descendant of the sun goddess Amaterasu. Glass sits down with Professor Tom Hare of Princeton University—a specialist in Japanese and ancient Egyptian literature and arts—to talk about how he was inspired by and drawn to the Egyptian pharaoh’s story, his strong interest in Japan, and more. Countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo, who will sing the title role in the production, performs an excerpt from the opera.

Tickets: $28/$23 members

EMPEROR SERIES: In celebration of Japanese Emperor Naruhito’s ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, our Fall 2019 performing arts lineup is filled with programs around the theme of the emperor. Usher in the Reiwa era with ancient court music, Shinto-based folktales and a modern noh play originally created for the 123rd emperor’s enthronement.

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