A new opera reclaims a place in the spotlight for the extraordinary blind musician, 18th-century pianist and composer Maria-Theresia von Paradis.
In the glittering salons of 18th-century Vienna, Maria-Theresia von Paradis is a star. Pianist, composer, touring musician: this pupil of Salieri and friend (and alleged lover) of Mozart has captivated Europe with her own sensational talent. They call her: The Blind Enchantress.
Yet behind this dazzling success story there are darker forces at work. Some of those closest to Maria-Theresia are looking to profit from her blindness. Others are looking to ‘cure’ her – whatever it takes.
In this newly commissioned chamber opera, directed by Jenny Sealey, with music by Errollyn Wallen, this extraordinary woman is finally drawn out of the shadows to reclaim her place in the spotlight of music history.
All performances creatively integrate BSL, captioning and audio description.
Commissioned by The Stables for IF: Milton Keynes International Festival. A Graeae Theatre Company production in partnership with the BBC Concert Orchestra and Curve Theatre.
For more info and tickets, click here.
Music: Errollyn Wallen
Musical Director and Conductor: Andrea Brown
Director: Jenny Sealey
Librettist: Nicola Werenowska
Co-Librettist and Original Idea: Selina Mills
Designer: Bernadette Roberts
Lighting Designer: Emma Chapman
Video Designer: Ben Glover
Assistant Director: Sonny Nwachukwu
Casting Director: Sarah Playfair
Dramaturg: Bill Bankes-Jones