Orpheus (Roman Mosaic - Foto di Giovanni Dall'Orto)
In ancient Greek mythology Orpheus was the son of Oeagrus, the king of Thrace and Kalliope, the muse of epic poetry. He was born and lived in Pimpleia near Mount Olympus, and he met Apollo when the god was courting Thalia, the muse of comedy. Apollo presented the young Orpheus with a golden lyre and instructed him how to play the instrument while his mother imparted to him the knowledge of creating verses.
So expertly did Orpheus learn to sing and play the lyre that he became the most famous poet and musician in all of Greece. With his poetry Orpheus was able to inspire the rocks of the mountains and the trees of the forest to dance, and to enchant all the animals of the sea, the air and the land, and even to change the flow of rivers and streams.
The Muses will be descending on the Orphic Gallery in Roxbury next weekend when we present Orphic Verses, An Evening of Poetry at the Orphic Gallery on Friday, October 17th from 7 to 9 pm. Orphic Verses will feature the work of local poets Rebecca Andre, Esther De Jong, Sharon Israel, Dave Kearney, and Gary Mead.
The poets will read selections from their poetry and engage in a spirited dialogue with the audience about their work and the poetic process. Light refreshments will be served. All on Friday, October 17th from 7 to 9 pm at the Roxbury Corner Store at the corner of Main & Bridge Streets in Roxbury.
For more information on Orphic Verses or the Orphic Gallery please call 607-326-6045 or see orphicgallery.com.