I’m really looking forward to the New York Philharmonic’s production of Le Grand Macabre, by György Ligeti. Ligeti wrote some wonderful, innovative music.  When I was in college, I got to sing his Lux Aeterna (which also put in an audio appearance in "2001: A Space Odyssey"). It was one of the most memorable choral experiences of my life. 

A night at the opera doesn’t get much more rollicking and unpredictable than a performance of György Ligeti's apocalyptic satire Le Grand Macabre. Alan Gilbert is capping his first season as music director of the New York Philharmonic by leading the New York premiere of this riotous two-act opera, which has been described as “part avant-garde, part Marx Brothers.”

The New York Philharmonic has employed the creative forces of director Doug Fitch in realizing their staged production of György Ligeti's Le Grand Macabre. Fitch and music director Alan Gilbert have a close artistic relationship, and have worked together to create a distinct and unique visual world to accompany Ligeti's evocative score.

A night at the opera doesn’t get much more rollicking and unpredictable than György Ligeti's apocalyptic satire Le Grand Macabre. Here is what you need to know if you are attending the New York Philharmonic's performance this week.

Starting Monday, May 17, Q2 lauches Curious György, a two-week, head-first dive into the music of Hungarian new music rockstar, György Ligeti. Listen to New York Philharmonic Music Director Alan Gilbert talk about the upcoming production of Ligeti's only opera, Le Grand Macabre, weekdays from 12-4, a.m. and p.m., with special Q2 guest host composer Sebastian Zubieta.