From great prodigy to great tragedy: Tapestry Opera presents the story of legendary cellist Jacqueline du Pré

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Jacqueline runs at the Betty Oliphant Theatre from February 19 – 23, 2020 

Who are you when all that you are and have known is taken from you? 

Toronto, ON (January 7, 2020): Tapestry Opera presents the world premiere of Jacqueline, a story of the battle between a world-famous virtuoso cellist and the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) that took her body and talent, robbing her of her breathtaking musical gift, her identity, and ultimately her life. Jacqueline runs at the Betty Oliphant Theatre from February 19 – 23, 2020.

Considered among the best musicians in the world for her passionate interpretations and flawless technique, du Pré was a trailblazer for female soloists and a rare prodigy. When she began experiencing numbness in her fingers at age 24, her doctor dismissed it as psychological fatigue until she was correctly diagnosed with MS nearly four years later. A harrowing, darkly humourous, and emotionally sensitive exploration of what it means to have a singular talent unravel, Jacqueline journeys through the life and trials of one of classical music’s greatest figures.

Composer Luna Pearl Woolf and Pulitzer Prize-winning librettist Royce Vavrek create a dazzlingly intense journey, brought to life by celebrated soprano Marnie Breckenridge as Jacqueline, and renowned cellist Matt Haimovitz as du Pré’s only constant companion, her cello. Inspired by Jacqueline’s iconic interpretation of the Elgar concerto, Jacqueline also references Haimovitz’s personal recollections of du Pré, having spent time as a young prodigy under her wing shortly before she died. In Pearl Woolf’s inventive score, virtuosity is demanded for both artists in their interpretation of one of the world’s greatest virtuosi.

Tickets range from $50-$95, and are available now at https://tapestryopera.com/jacqueline-portrait-of-virtuosity/.

ABOUT TAPESTRY OPERA: Celebrating its 40th anniversary season, Tapestry Opera is an award-winning Toronto-based company, dedicated to advancing the evolution of opera through creating, developing and performing original Canadian works. Tapestry is passionate about uniquely Canadian stories and music, performed in innovative settings, unforgettably interpreted by world class singers and musicians. Tapestry supports emerging artists, develops new audiences and brings Canadian opera to the world stage. Founded in 1979, Tapestry is the voice of original contemporary Canadian opera.

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