Le docteur Miracle 
by Georges Bizet 

Cendrillon 
by Pauline Viardot 
orchestrated by Amy Crankshaw 

Dominic Wheeler conductor  
Ashley Dean director  
Cordelia Chisholm designer  
Kevin Treacy lighting designer  

Described by Berlioz as ‘one of the greatest artists of her age’, Viardot brings all of her life experience and inspiration to this elegant work, which premiered in 1904 when she was 83 years old. Her light-hearted retelling of the famous fairytale blends a variety of musical colours, with sublime melodies and lush harmonies providing the perfect showcase for Guildhall opera singers.  

Originally written to be performed with piano in intimate space, Viardot always dreamed of orchestrating Cendrillon, but in the absence at the time of any hope that an orchestra would perform a work by a female composer – even one as well-regarded and well-connected as Viardot – she never did. This production fulfils her desire with a new chamber orchestration by Amy Crankshaw – Guildhall doctoral composer and a graduate of the School’s MA Opera Making & Writing programme presented in an association with the Royal Opera House. 

This opéra-comique double bill opens with Georges Bizet’s one-act Le docteur Miracle – a witty tale of romance, disguise and an omelette, filled with the youthful vitality of the 18-year-old composer.