Arion & the Dolphin - A Libretto by Vikram Seth

Arion and the Dolphin is an opera in 9 scenes for professionals and community performers. The libretto is by Vikram Seth and the music is composed by Alec Roth.

Recounted with Seth’s inimitable charm, it is the story of Arion, a young musician at the court of Periander in Corinth. Thrown overboard on his return from a musical contest in Sicily, Arion is saved and befriended by a dolphin. Written for amateurs and professionals, this is a story which will appeal to young and old.

This enchanting libretto from the author of A Suitable Boy is published to coincide with the first performance of the opera Arion and the dolphin (music Alec Roth), commissioned by the Baylis Programme at the English National Opera, in June 1994. Recounted with Seth’s inimitable charm, it is the story of Arion, a young musician at the court of Periander in Corinth. Thrown overboard on his return from a musical contest in Sicily, Arion is saved and befriended by a dolphin. Written for amateurs and professionals, this is a story which will appeal to young and old.

I have little doubt that at the age of 41, Vikram Seth is already the best writer of his generation.-Daniel Johnson, The Times