University of Notre Dame Professor of the Practice Stephen Lancaster announces the release of GILGAMESH, a visual album of a contemporary song cycle based on the ancient Mesopotamian epic. Released on November 7, 2025, on Navona Records, the production is the result of a decade-long, interdisciplinary collaboration combining music, film, and dance.
The Work
Composer J. Scott Brubacher and librettist David James Brock created eleven songs that follow the epic's narrative arc, tracing Gilgamesh's transformation from tyrant to seeker through pivotal moments exploring themes of friendship, mortality, love, and grief. Brubacher's setting features a chiastic structure with songs surrounding the central piece forming an arch of mirrored tonal centers and motives.
"This project represents a unique opportunity to bring contemporary Canadian art song to global audiences through an accessible digital format," Lancaster said. "The ancient story of Gilgamesh continues to resonate with universal themes that speak to our present-day experience."
Lancaster performs the title role as baritone, with pianist Susan McDaniel and dancer/choreographer Kyle Marshall as Enkidu. The production was filmed on the University of Notre Dame campus and directed by Four/Ten Media.
Format and Access
The project includes the 40-minute visual song cycle and a companion 10-minute "Behind the Scenes" video featuring conversations with the artists. Both are freely available on YouTube with closed captions; individual songs can be accessed through chapter markers. The album is also available in audio format on all streaming platforms.
Creative Team
Stephen Lancaster (Baritone/Project Director)
J. Scott Brubacher (Composer)
David James Brock (Librettist)
Susan McDaniel (Pianist)
Kyle Marshall (Dancer/Choreographer)
Four/Ten Media (Film Direction & Production)
Edo Tastic (Costume, Hair & Makeup Design)
Daniel Stein (Audio Producer)
Bill Maylone (Audio Engineer)
Support
The project received principal funding from an “Explore and Create” grant from the Canada Council for the Arts as well as grants from the Franco Family Institute for Liberal Arts & the Public Good at the University of Notre Dame.
Lancaster teaches in the Department of Music and Graduate Program in Sacred Music at Notre Dame, where he specializes in vocal performance and pedagogy.