Tan Dun: Marco Polo [Video]

Composer Tan Dun authored his opera +Marco Polo in 1996 with a libretto by Paul Griffiths, as a fusion of eastern and western cultures. Inspired by events from the life of the titular explorer, it chronicles Polo's voyages to the far eastern world as a geographic chronicle and journey of self-discovery. This particular production was mounted by the De Nederlandse Opera in 2008; it stars Charles Workman as Polo, and Stephen Richardson as Kublai Khan. Sarah Castle and Nancy Allen Lundy help round out the supporting cast. Pierre Audi directs for the stage and Nanine Linning choreographs; the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra lends added musical support.