ORFEA RISING:
A Jazz Myth Suite
A world premiere of music, poetry & aerial dance.
September 5, 2026 • Montavilla Jazz Festival
A poetic, contemporary reimagining of the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice.
In the original myth, Orpheus journeys to the Underworld to bring his lost love back using his beautiful music and enchanting voice.
In composer Shelly Rudolph's suite, the story features a feminine perspective, Orfea, who enters the realm of memory and grief to sing her love “home to the light you can't see." And does not look back.
This original multi-movement work unfolds as an immersive performance shaped by vibraphone, cello, bass, drums, saxophone, and voice, with movement and improvisation woven throughout.
Both intimate and expansive, the work reflects Rudolph’s longstanding commitment to crossing artistic disciplines while remaining rooted in jazz expression, storytelling, and emotional depth.
The Ensemble:
Shelly Rudolph – voice, poetry, composition
Devin Phillips – saxophone
Chris Lee –vibraphone
Tim Gilson – cello
Dave Captein – bass
Rivkah Ross – drums
Alicia Antony – aerial dance
Tia Palomino – aerial dance