Cendrillon

ABOUT

Libretto Pauline Viardot

Stage director Gabriela Petráková

The fifth cooperation with the University of Ostrava’s Faculty of Fine Arts marks the last salon operetta of the French composer, singer, teacher, and an interesting art persona, Pauline Viardot. She was a piano student of Franz Liszt, composition student of Anton Reich, a close friend of Frédéric Chopin, George Sand, and Ivan Turgenev, the muse of Charles Gounod and Hector Berlioz. This impressive list of names offers just a glimpse into the life of Pauline Viardot, who gained fame as a brilliant mezzo-soprano and whose musical salon nurtured a generation of famous singers and even more renowned composers.
Although composing was not her main ambition and she primarily wrote her works to aid her students' development, these pieces are far from being merely didactic. Her works are filled with bold lyrical beauty, ear-pleasing difficult texts and sophisticated harmonies. They overflow with expressive lyrical beauty, delightful yet demanding vocal parts, and sophisticated harmonies. These attributes reflect her exceptional compositional and vocal mastery, as well as her unique artistic insight.
Adaptation of the classic Cinderella fairy tale offers a distinctive and musically enchanting rendition of the beloved story. In Viardot’s version, the main character is portrayed in depth and empathy, emphasizing her resilience and inner strength when face of adversity. The opera explores the topic of transformation, self-exploration, and the battle of good and evil – thus attracting younger and more experienced audience. The music of Cendrillon offers soft arias, energetic ensembles, pulling the listener in with its emotional depth and enchanting melodies.

Premiers on 6 and 8 February 2025, at the Theatre “12”
Performed in Czech.

A project of Opera Academy Ostrava – staged in cooperation with University of Ostrava’s Faculty of Fine Arts