Resonance Works Presents CINDERELLA In A Weekend Of Opera-parties!

Resonance Works kicks off its second decade with the Pittsburgh premiere of CINDERELLA by Pauline Viardot-García in a weekend of opera-parties October 27, 28, and 29 in the Studio at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall in Carnegie, PA.

Each immersive performance begins with a royal soirée complete with refreshments and party entertainment from surprise ResWorks artists. The audience will then become guests at Prince Charming's ball, woven into the magic of the beloved fairy tale. 

“The last week of October marks the 10th birthday of our company, and we couldn't think of a better way to celebrate than with a ball!” says Maria Sensi Sellner, Resonance Works' Artistic & General Director. “For a decade we have invited audiences to experience and engage with music performances in intimate, unique, and unexpected ways. Our CINDERELLA will be all of these and more - including experiencing our extraordinary cast from no further away than the 5th row, celebrating with us and with each other, and getting to know a joyful, beautiful, and too-rarely-heard work by an extraordinary woman.”  

Born in Paris to a Spanish family of singers, Pauline Viardot-García was an opera star in her own right by her late teens, becoming one of the most celebrated and admired artists in late 19th century Europe. She retired from performing at age 42, focusing on teaching and hosting musical "salons", which cultivated a whole generation of talent, championing the music of a plethora of composers including Gabriel Fauré, Camille Saint-Saëns, and Pyotr Tchaikovsky. Her own numerous compositions were also premiered in these salons, including the opera "Cendrillon" (Cinderella) which premiered in 1904 when she was 83 years old. Hector Berlioz said she was “one of the greatest artists who comes to mind in the past and present history of music.”

Resonance Works' CINDERELLA features a new expanded English version by long-time ResWorks collaborator Ben Robinson, which depicts composer Pauline Viardot imagining her younger self written into the Cinderella story (offering advice as her own fairy godmother).  Acclaimed soprano Emily Pulley directs the production and stars as Older Pauline/Fairy Godmother, bringing decades of experience from the top opera companies across the U.S., including a frequent presence at the Metropolitan Opera.  Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artist alum Shannon Jennings and Pittsburgh native Donovan Elliot Smith star as Cinderella and Prince Charming, making their Resonance Works debuts alongside soprano Katy Lindhart as sassy stepsister Maguelonne and tenor Gabriel Hernandez as the Prince's right hand, Count Barigoule. Rounding out Cinderella's not-so-functional family are long-time favorites and Carnegie Mellon alums Gillian Hassert and Patrick McNally. Rob Frankenberry brings his multidimensional talent to the piano performing as Pauline's dear friend, famed composer Frédéric Chopin.  Frankenberry also created a new trio arrangement of the score which will feature violinist Maureen Conlon Gutierrez and cellist Elisa Kohanski.  

Pictured: Donovan Smith (Prince Charming) & Gabriel Hernandez (Count Barigoule) Each event begins with an hour of party festivities and mixed-genre cabaret performances by Resonance Works artists. On Friday and Saturday, guests are encouraged to arrive beginning at 7pm to enjoy a specialty cocktail created by Bar Marco and hors d'oeuvres from LadyFingers Boutique Catering. Sunday's more family-friendly fête begins at 2 pm complete with fairy tale crafts, a cake for the company's 10th birthday, and themed cookies from Sweet Bites Cookies. Fairy tale attire is encouraged all weekend! 

Tickets are now on sale. Space in the Studio is limited to ensure a delightful immersive experience for all.

Resonance Works is a Pittsburgh-based performing arts non-profit that empowers musicians and inspires audiences with intimate, genre-defying productions featuring everything from opera and musical theatre to orchestral, choral, and chamber music. Performed in the intimacy of small theatres, churches, art galleries, and even cemeteries, Resonance Work productions heighten the soul-stirring experience of live music by bringing audiences and artists into close proximity. 

The company's work is shaped by collaborations with nationally and internationally recognized artists, whose creative vision and immense talents generate the foundation for each Resonance Works production. Through these dynamic partnerships, Resonance Works creates musical experiences that highlight the artists' voices and speak to urgent contemporary issues.  

Resonance Works was founded in 2013 by Pittsburgh native Maria Sensi Sellner, a versatile and innovative classical conductor praised for bringing a “welcome infusion of sophistication and diversity” to Pittsburgh's cultural landscape. Resonance Works has produced beloved operas, rare and new concert works, and cross-genre performances, including 12 world premieres and dozens of regional premieres, living out its mission to bring inspiring musical experiences by globally renowned performers to Pittsburgh stages.

At Resonance Works, we are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment. The Studio at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall is fully accessible via two ramps and an elevator, and  accessible parking spaces are available in front of the main entrance. 

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