The Paradis Files

An extraordinary blind musician.
A family hell-bent on a cure.

In the glittering salons of 18th-century Vienna, Maria-Theresia von Paradis is a star. Pianist, composer, touring musician; this pupil of Salieri and friend (and alleged lover) of Mozart has captivated Europe with her own sensational talent. They call her The Blind Enchantress.

Yet behind this dazzling success story there are darker forces at work. Some of those closest to Maria-Theresia are looking to profit from her blindness. Others are looking to ‘cure’ her – whatever it takes.

In this newly commissioned chamber opera with music performed by members of the BBC Concert Orchestra, Graeae brings this extraordinary woman out of the shadows to reclaim her place in the spotlight of music history.

Running time: 70 minutes (no interval)

Trigger warnings: The Paradis Files contains references to some distressing topics, including physical violence, sexual abuse, baby loss, bereavement, ableism and graphic depictions of eighteenth century ‘cures’ for blindness, including the compression of the optic nerve, bleeding with pins and electric shock.