Onstage company
Documented collaborators
Iphigenia: A New Opera brings together legendary composer Wayne Shorter and virtuoso bassist and vocalist Esperanza Spalding for a radical fusion of classical orchestration and jazz improvisation. Based on Euripides’ Iphigenia myth, this groundbreaking work positions opera and jazz in a bold, modern conversation. The world premiere took place at ArtsEmerson in Boston in November 2021, with subsequent performances at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., Cal Performances in Berkeley, and The Broad Stage in Santa Monica, consolidating its reputation as a pioneering collaboration in contemporary opera. The project showcases Spalding as both librettist and lead performer, with Shorter’s visionary composition guiding a lush orchestral palette that invites improvisation and fearless musical storytelling.