Odysseus is a gripping musical drama composed by the Greek-Dutch composer Calliope Tsoupaki, which delves into a crucial moment from the Greek hero’s legendary journey. In the myth, Odysseus receives a bag of winds, intended to protect him from adverse weather on his voyage. However, his curiosity leads to disaster when the winds escape, causing an uncontrollable storm. Commissioned by the renowned Asko|Schönberg ensemble, Tsoupaki’s composition explores themes of fate and hubris through a powerful blend of lyrical, ancient-inspired music. Her unique musical language, imbued with sacred depth and evocative atmospheres, beautifully captures the essence of Odysseus’ plight. The performance at November Music 2019 also saw the premiere of her Byzantine requiem Memento Nostri and the powerful Thin Air by violinist Claire Adams. Tsoupaki’s collaboration with photographer Awoiska van der Molen adds a visual dimension to the performance, using striking nature images to amplify the stormy drama and deepen the emotional impact of the music.