“Allegra & the Cello, in Movements” is a new, completed, full-length opera for one soprano and one cellist -- Story and Libretto by Catherine Filloux, Music by Julia Schwartz 

 

Witness a groundbreaking moment in opera history with Allegra & the Cello, in Movements, where the first-ever female doctor to take stage in opera brings to life the story of Allegra. Set in the tension-filled days before a high-stakes trial, Allegra lets the audience of lawyers into the most vulnerable and difficult moments in her life and career as they navigate her pretrial discovery together.  

 

Through a bold fusion of rhythm, movement, emotion, silence and vibrant colors, Allegra & the Cello, in Movements explores the struggles of a woman who questions and defies law for the sake of humanity. With the music of a single cello guiding Allegra through each scene, this opera challenges tradition in more ways than one.  

 

Join Allegra in her discovery--a story of wavering resilience and eternal resistance.  

 

Catherine Filloux is an award-winning French Algerian American playwright/librettist, writing about human rights for decades. Her libretto Orlando (Vienna Staatsoper, Grawemeyer award) next appears at Opera Komische Berlin. 

 

Julia Schwartz is a composer from Ohio, who lives in Switzerland. Her works, both vocal and instrumental, have been performed in the United States, South America and Europe. www.juliaschwartz.ch