LA Opera continues its 40th Anniversary Season with a revival of Akhnaten by Philip Glass. In addition, Director Phelim McDermott’s acclaimed staging returns, conducted by Dalia Stasevska in her company debut. Countertenor John Holiday stars in the title role across six performances. The engagement runs from February 28 through March 22, 2026.
La Opera Akhnaten
Critics have praised the production, and audiences have eagerly awaited its return. Accordingly, the revival transports viewers to Ancient Egypt through a striking portrait of a revolutionary ruler. Therefore the opera offers a vivid exploration of power, belief, and transformation.
LA Opera’s President and CEO Christopher Koelsch said “I am continually struck by how eager our audiences are to embrace the music of our own time.” He went on to express praise for the music of Philip Glass and dubbed hime “one of the greatest of all living composers.”
Akhnaten delivers a powerful and immersive theatrical experience. It completes Glass’s portrait trilogy, following works centered on Einstein and Gandhi. Here, Glass explores religion through the story of the pharaoh Akhenaten.
Set during a period of sweeping change, the opera dramatizes Egypt’s religious and political upheaval. The score incorporates ancient hymns, prayers, letters, and inscriptions. Sung in Egyptian, Hebrew, and Akkadian, the text traces the rise and fall of a visionary ruler.
Cast
John Holiday leads the cast as Akhnaten, reprising a role he recently performed at Komische Oper Berlin. He previously appeared with LA Opera in Dido and Aeneas and Eurydice. Bass Zachary James returns as Amenhotep III, reprising his commanding 2016 LA Opera performance. He has also sung the role at the Metropolitan Opera and English National Opera. Mezzo-soprano Sun-Ly Pierce makes her company debut as Nefertiti. Soprano So Young Park, an alumna of LA Opera’s Young Artist Program, appears as Queen Tye. Tenor Yuntong Han sings the High Priest of Amon. Baritone Hyungjin Son portrays General Horemhab. Bass Vinícius Costa appears as Aye. All three are current members of the Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program. Akhnaten’s daughters are portrayed by Emily Damasco, Katie Trigg, Abi Levis, Julia Maria Johnson, Erin Alford, and Kristen Choi.
Akhnaten 2016 Production; Photo by Craig T. Mathew
Creative Team
McDermott’s production has appeared at English National Opera, the Metropolitan Opera, and LA Opera. Designs include sets by Tom Pye, costumes by Kevin Pollard, and lighting by Bruno Poet. Sean Gandini provides juggling choreography, with Jeremy Frank as chorus director. Dalia Stasevska, principal guest conductor of the BBC Symphony Orchestra, makes her LA Opera debut. Her season also includes engagements with major orchestras across Europe and North America.
Performance Dates, Times
There will be six performances of Akhnaten presented at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Performanes take place: Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 7:30pm; Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 2pm; Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 7:30pm; Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 7:30pm; Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 7:30pm; Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 2pm
Admission
Tickets begin at $33.50 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online at LAOpera.org, by phone at 213.972.8001, or in person at the LA Opera box office at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion (135 N. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles CA 90012). For disability access, call 213.972.0777 or email LAOpera@LAOpera.org.
What: Akhnaten
Where: Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 North Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012:
When: February 28 through March 22, 2026 – see dates above
Website: LAOpera.org/Akhnaten
