Akhnaten

About

A 1983 creation of the American composer Philip Glass, Akhnaten is a story of the Egyptian pharaoh Akhenaten. This three-act opera begins with the death of Akhenaten's father, Amenhotep III. The music and dance that ensues follow the newly crowned pharaoh as he reigns over his city. The opera is also about Akhnaten's religious beliefs and how these beliefs play a very important role in his reign and his personal life. The piece first premiered in 1984 at Stuttgart State Theater with Paul Esswood as Akhnaten.