AFTER Ovid is an ambitious, rich “media opera” created by a community of talented undergraduate music students for their annual practical project at the University of York.

As the title suggests, After Ovid is a musical response to the rich narrative of Ovid’s Metamorphoses, an epic 1st century poem charting the history of the world from creation to civilisation, well, Rome anyway.

The opening Birth Of Chaos whispered into being against a stunning visual mountain range backdrop. Or did it? Suddenly, there was man-made chaos – Nazi Germany, the atomic bomb, Vietnam etc. As the narrator closed, harmony ensued.

Ben Clark’s Rumour was both colourful and rhythmically engaging. Again, I liked the haunting stillness of the ending.

Grace Winpenny’s Two Young Lovers retold the touching story of Pyramus and Thisbe. Here the juxtaposition of simple melodic narrative with one in transformation was effective. The Fall Of Troy opened with a touching cello and double bass duet lamenting the Death of Hector and included a lovely solo by Katerina Lianou.

The highlight of the first act was Andrew Hume’s Narcissus, where an excellent string quartet provided fine support for Danny Purtell in a moving portrait of self-destruction. Mind you, I loved the sleazy, swinging jazz-soaked depiction of Will Edwards and Ben Turner’s “human” Arachne.

The Second Act began strongly with a fine lyrical piece based on the myth of Daedalus and Icarus by Joe Steele. Baritone Jake Muffet sang with poignant conviction with splendid vocal and instrumental support from the ensemble.

From eerie elemental beginnings, Elemental Transformation gradually settles into a comfy tonal world with rude awakenings. It was a strong piece and very well performed.

Cassiopeia Berkeley-Agyepong’s rhythmically driven movement was both quirky and fun, whilst Will Mackie’s ambient sound world provided the strongest correlation with the often beautiful, symmetrical screen imagery.

The opera ended with a plague on all their houses, well Aegina’s, anyway. Chaos reigned – the movement was completely nuts and I loved it. A great credit to all, especially director Ambrose Field.

After Ovid, Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall, University of York; tonight at 7.30pm. Box office: 01904 322439 and at york.ac.uk/concerts or on the door from 45 minutes before the performances begin.