Cendrillon, Glyndebourne

The gardens at Glyndebourne are always lovely, but they don't let the grass grow under their feet there. This year's season opens with the first eve production in the opera house's 80 year history of Berlioz's Faust, and here comes another first – Massenet's Cendrillon.

The fairy tale Cinderella needs no introduction, but director Fiona Shaw has given the rags-to-riches story several contemporary twists. Be prepared to see conventions turned upside-down in a production of smoke and mirrors where nothing is quite what it seems.

Popular soprano Danielle de Niese sings the title role, with Kate Lindsey as her Prince Charming. The premiere marks another happy first – the Glyndebourne debut of conductor John Wilson.

The first lady of Glyndebourne, soprano Danielle de Niese, is married to the house's executive chairman Gus Christie, grandson of its founder

Massent was the composer of more than 30 operas, although few apart from Cendrillon and Manon are heard today. Cendrillon was first staged in 1899, and was notable for its use of exciting new theatrical effects. The Glyndebourne production too, with its design by Jon Bausor and costumes by Nicky Gillibrand, springs some visual surprises. The musical score has an other-worldly quality.

The cast includes Belgian baritone Lionel Lhote as Cendrillon's weak father, Pandolfe, and Polish mezzo-soprano Agnes Zwierko as her vain and haughty step-mother Madame de la Haltière. Her ghastly step-sisters are sung by Eduarda Melo (Noémie) and Julie Pasturaud (Dorothée).

---

'Cendrillon' is sung in French with English surtitles. Public booking opens at 6PM on Sunday 3 March. The performance on 30 June will be broadcast live to cinemas all over London and nationwide: click here for more details and booking.