Symphony debuts Navajo Oratorio

A modern retelling of an ancient but timeless Navajo legend: Enemy Slayer

By Joseph Diaz
Symphony debuts Navajo Oratorio

To celebrate the Phoenix Symphony’s 60th anniversary, the orchestra has commissioned a work combining symphonic music with the traditions of the Southwest in Enemy Slayer: A Navajo Oratorio.  The work composed by Music Alive composer-in-residence Mark Grey explores a modern retelling of an ancient but timeless Navajo legend.  Incorporating a libretto of Navajo and English-language text by Navajo librettist Laura Tohe, the world-premiere will also include the digital artwork of photographer Deborah O’Grady.

Using the monster slayer narrative from the Navajo Creation Story as a starting point, composer Mark Grey adapted the story of Seeker, a warrior born to protect the Navajo people and rid the world of monsters. 

In this contemporary reworking of the story, Seeker returns from war to a heartfelt welcome by his people, but the memories of combat continue to haunt his dreams.  The Seeker must overcome these nightmares to conquer his personal quest towards fulfillment and wholeness. 

Several community events, including lectures, concerts, films, and a special reduction of the Oratorio will explore facets of Navajo culture as well as the evolution of the new musical work before the world-premiere of Enemy Slayer, February 7 and 9.



This article appears in the February 2008 issue of Latino Perspectives Magazine.

Did you like what you read here? Subscribe to Latino Perspectives Magazine »

Add your comment:

Create an instant account, or please log in if you have an account. Anonymous comments are enabled.
Verification Question. (This is so we know you are a human and not a spam robot.)

What is 6 + 2 ?