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Thus begins Paradise Lost, a work of music theater with book by Edward Esch, music by Eric Whitacre, and lyrics by director David Norona and Whitacre. The story follows the last remaining tribe of angels, marooned in a post-apocalyptic Paradise as children and now grown into young adulthood. Within their fortress they have created a militant, martial society, always training for the next attack, always afraid. One angel, Exstasis, remains untouched by the brutal world in which she lives and dreams only of flying.

The show, heavily inspired by and infused with the style of Japanese anime and manga, is a powerful and visceral hybrid of musical theater, opera, electronica, film score and Asian drumming. A sold-out 6 week run in Los Angeles (summer 2007) was followed by a sold-out concert performance at Carnegie Hall (June, 2010).

Watch the trailer for the 2007 staged production.

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January 23, 2024

Summer Composition Program at The Juilliard School

Beginning in summer 2024, The Juilliard School will offer Summer Composition, a two-week intensive for composers in high school led by David Serkin-Ludwig and a faculty of world-renowned composers. Eric will be joining as a seminar guest... continued

January 22, 2024

Interview: The Third Floor

Eric recently spoke to William Cromwell for PRX’s The Third Floor. The discussion focuses on Eric’s long-form work The Sacred Veil and the second hour of the show includes a broadcast of the work in its entirety.

Listen now on PRX.org.

December 15, 2023

BBC Radio 3 Inside Music

Eric hosts a special Christmas episode of BBC Radio 3’s Inside Music on Saturday December 16.

Eric selected a handful of stunning Christmas choral pieces from Sarah Quartell, Benjamin Britten, Cecilia McDowall, Philip Stopford and Francis Poulenc as... continued

November 09, 2023

Attack Magazine

“Contrast goes darker, more gritty, more smoky, and there’s a whole synth engine on the back that is truly alien and geared towards electronic music.”

Read the new Spitfire Audio feature in Attack Magazine.

Upcoming Events

Apr 24
Jul 06
Jul 12

Oregon Bach Festival: The Sacred Veil

Eugene, OR, United States

Nov 26

The Gift of the Magi with DCINY

New York City, United States

May 17

World Premiere: Murmur

New York City, United States

Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir

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