Nymphus: Mithraic Initiation Rite Number Two by Pedro Laranjeira Finisterra published on 2018-09-10T18:29:01Z (For video with English and Portuguese subtitles go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-A3b3joAFPA) Nymphus: Mithraic Initiation Rite Number Two (2017) for Mezzo, Tenor, Baritone and Piano Mithras is a Roman god (possibly originating from Persia) who was worshipped between the 1st and 4th centuries AD. Roman soldiers brought Mithraism to Britain, where the religion caught on. Mithraic worshippers were all male, and the practice of Mithraism was restricted to initiates (as was the case with all mystery religions). There were seven levels of initiation, and though most of the rites with deliberately clouded in secrecy, a few details can be gleaned. The rest must be guessed at. This is a reconstruction of the 2nd level initiation, the Nymphus or male bride. The symbols such as the lamp, veil, and goblets all appear in drawings or snatches of description. The Nymphus is married to Mithras, and, like a priest, asked to be celibate. A Mystagogue, probably a higher level initiate, leads the ceremony. In this recreation, the voice of Mithras is also heard. The scene is inspired, in part, by the newly restored Mithraeum in downtown London. Libretto: Edward Einhorn Composition: Pedro F. Finisterra Cast: The Voice (Mezzo): Natalie Davies Nymphus (Tenor): Florian Pierre Panzieri Mystagogue (Baritone): Joël Terrin Piano: Ashley Beauchamp New Opera Scenes Goodenough College London, United Kingdom May 16th, 2018 Where to find my scores: Portfolios: https://portfolios.esml.ipl.pt/compositor/pedro-f-finisterra/ Scherzo Editions: http://www.scherzoeditions.com/?page_id=6957#ffs-tabbed-11 Follow me on social media: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/pedroffinisterra Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/pedroffinisterra Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pedroffinisterra/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/PedroFinisterra Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pedroffinisterra/ Contact me: pedroffinisterra@gmail.com Genre Opera