The Paradis Files

An extraordinary blind musician. A family hell-bent on a cure.

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 CBE, this extraordinary woman is finally drawn out of the shadows to reclaim her place in the spotlight of music history.

All performances will 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 BBC Concert Orchestra and Curve Theatre.

Composer Erollyn Walllen CBE
Director Jenny Sealey
Librettist Nicola Werenowska
Co-Librettist And Original Idea Selina Mills
Musical Director and Conductor Andrea Brown