Exploring the life and religious convictions of the Egyptian pharaoh, Akhnaten arrives at the London Coliseum for its first staging in the capital for 30 years.

Forming the last of Philip Glass’ trilogy of ‘portrait’ operas in which he looks at figures from the fields of science (Einstein), politics (Gandhi) and religion (Akhnaten), this hypnotically mesmerising work uses texts drawn from ancient hymns, prayers, letters and inscriptions sung in their original Egyptian, Hebrew and Akkadian.

English National Opera’s new production is directed by Improbable’s Phelim McDermott and follows his spectacular stagings of Glass’ Satyagraha and The Perfect American. Countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo sings the title role, while conductor Karen Kamensek, a specialist in Glass’s music, makes her ENO debut.

The production is sung in Egyptian, Hebrew and Akkadian with no surtitles.

Learn more about London operas within the West End.