Abelard and Heloise

World Premiere Information - 2002
   


















 


The story.....

This is the very best kind of love story. It's true, absolutely true, based on the passionate letters of the lovers themselves and an autobiography by Abelard.
This story is tragic, in the most intimate way you can imagine. At the height of their passion Abelard is castrated by Heloise's enraged uncle and relatives. Then, in his shame and horror, to add separation and waste to the recipe, Abelard orders Heloise into a nunnery, and becomes a monk himself.

courtesy - Joslyn Art Museum Omaha Nebraska
courtesy - Joslyn Art Museum Omaha Nebraska











 
Lyrics by Paul Kavanagh    -     Music by Ross Fiddes
Reviews.....'97 .......   October 2002 ... Winners of the CONDA AWARD
  • "…... raves at its debut ..….a rapturous response ...…The libretto was one of the most impressive aspects…....the accessibility of the music put it in company with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s work."
  • "Abelard and Heloise was staged in a concert version but even in its unfinished state it is a remarkable and exciting work.
    Composer Ross Fiddes and librettist Paul Kavanagh have turned a true love story from the 12th century into a musical that should find a place in the 21st Century."
  • "Ross Fiddes’ music has a variety and beauty rarely found in contemporary musicals and Paul Kavanagh’s lyrics combine sparkling wit and heart-felt humanity."
  • "Abelard and Heloise would have made Newcastle’s 200th birthday party memorable, even if nothing else of quality had been staged this year. "It has the potential to enthral and entertain audiences worldwide"
  • "Fiddes’ music is melodic, testing for singers and rewarding for audiences, while Kavanagh’s writing delights with its wit."

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