ATLAS: an opera in three parts (1991)
In ATLAS, travel is a metaphor for spiritual quest and commitment to inner vision. The opera
centers on the life of one character, Alexandra Daniels, a female explorer. In the expedition made by Alexandra and her traveling companions, there are adventures, encounters with spirits from other realms, and struggles with personal and societal demons. The explorers are initiated and taught by Guides who lead them finally into a realm of pure energy.
Through Monk’s inimitably expressive vocal writing and hypnotic orchestral imagination, the
opera explores the loss of wonder, mystery, and freshness in our contemporary life and the
possibility of rediscovering our inherent clarity.
ATLAS: an opera in three parts was originally commissioned by The Houston Grand Opera, Houston, TX in 1991.
Original Performers: Dina Emerson, Meredith Monk, Wendy Hill, Tom Bogdan, Chen Shizheng, Ching Gonzalez, Allison Easter, Katie Geissinger, Victoria Boomsma, Stephan Kalm, Robert Een, Wilbur Pauley, Janis Brenner, Randall Wong, Carlos Arévalo, Emily Eyre, Dana Hanchard, and Sally Gross.
Performance History: The Houston Grand Opera, Houston, TX; The Wexner Center for the Performing Arts; American Music Theater Festival, Hebbel Theater, Berlin, Germany; Odeon Theater, Paris, France; Brooklyn Academy of Music, Brooklyn, NY.
Choosing Companions from Meredith Monk’s Atlas (video)
ATLAS at LA Philharmonic (2019)
Now, more than twenty years since ATLAS first made its impact, Meredith Monk is looking for
the work to be seen again in a new, second production, in collaboration with director Yuval
Sharon. The production is being performed at LA Philharmonic on June 11th, 12th, and 14th.
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