Jacques Offenbach's iconic operetta bouffe "Orpheus in the Underworld" was first performed in Paris in 1858. Though the overture consists of a variety of themes from throughout the opera, the most recognizable is the "Infernal Galop," or as it has come to be known, the "Can-Can." Hard to believe this "Can-Can" initially shocked audiences and reviews of the opera described it as "a coarse and grotesque parody."

Instrumentation:

• 6 C Flutes (Flute 2 doubles on Piccolo)
• 2 Alto Flutes
• Bass Flute
• Contrabass Flute