La Belle Hélène Overture originates from Jacques Offenbach’s operetta La Belle Hélène, premiered in 1864. The operetta satirizes the romantic entanglements of Greek mythology, focusing on Helen of Troy, Paris, and Menelaus, and uses humor to poke fun at contemporary French society. Its overture captures Offenbach’s signature lively and engaging style, blending lightheartedness with orchestral brilliance.

The arrangement by Lawrence Odom reimagines Offenbach’s work for modern performance, often emphasizing its energetic and playful themes. It is one of the most popular band transcriptions of Offenbach’s stage works. This adaptation allows contemporary audiences to experience Offenbach’s wit and charm in a fresh format, keeping the spirit of the original while making it accessible for new ensembles.

Jacques Offenbach (1819–1880) was a German-born French composer and cellist, widely recognized for his pioneering work in operetta, a genre of light opera combining music, spoken dialogue, and dance. Often called “the father of the operetta,” Offenbach is best known for his lively and satirical works, including Orpheus in the Underworld, which features the famous “Can-Can” dance. His music was celebrated for its wit, charm, and playful social commentary, capturing the spirit of 19th-century Paris. Offenbach also began work on his grand opera The Tales of Hoffmann, which was completed after his death and remains a staple in the operatic repertoire.

Program note and composer biography researched and written by Elisabeth Jackson