Opthelia (symphony)
| Opthelia | |
|---|---|
 Cover of the premiere performance's official recording | |
| Orchestral National Epic | |
| Composer | Archibald Strand |
| Composed | 2023 |
| Patron | Empress Athena II |
| Duration | Approximately two hours |
| Movements | Two parts of six movements |
| Premiere | |
| Conductor | Archibald Strand |
| Concertmaster | Richard Ellison |
| Orchestra | Opthelian Imperial Orchestra |
| Date | 24th September 2023 |
| Location | Eddington Concert Hall |
| Duration | 02:12:07 |
| Recording | |
| Recording link | Listen here |
Opthelia, the eponymous "orchestral national epic" of the Empire of Opthelia, is an orchestral composition by Archibald Strand. With a duration of a little over two hours, the piece is divided into two parts consisting of six movements each. Written to recount the rich and extensive history and triumphant achievements of both the Opthelian nation and her people, Opthelia is a testament to the nation's resilience, prosperity, and the pursuit of peace. Through its powerful orchestral arrangements and captivating melodies, the opus captures the indomitable spirit and grandeur of Opthelia's past and present, while expressing hope for the future.
Premiering on 24 September 2023 at the illustrious Eddington Concert Hall, the performance was conducted by the eminent composer himself, leading the elite national Opthelian Imperial Orchestra. Dedicated to and attended by Empress Athena II, the premiere of the piece received a 22-minute standing ovation at its conclusion, with the Empress reported to be both "enthralled and utterly elated" by the performance.