The Royal Opera continues its fruitful partnership with the Centre des monuments nationaux at Le Thoronet Abbey, launched in 2023, bringing voices and instruments once again to life within this historic setting.

Although 17th- and 18th-century society did not encourage women to aspire to anything beyond the roles of wife and mother, a remarkable number nevertheless succeeded in establishing themselves as composers and musicians. The obscurity into which they were so swiftly consigned is, fortunately, now coming to an end…

Prima Donna Composers

Jacquet de La Guerre (1665–1729) : Overture from Céphale et Procris

The Sleep of Ulysses, Third Cantata for Solo Voice and Symphony.

Mademoiselle Duval (1718–1775) : Les Génies, ou Les Caractères de l’amour

Act III, Scene 1: Isménide’s Aria – “Tyrant of a Faithful and Tender Heart”

Act II, Scene 1: Zaïre’s Recitative and Aria – “Sweet Delusion, Lovely Chimera”

Act I, Scene 4: Passacaglia and Tambourins

Act II, Scene 4: Rondeau and March

Mademoiselle Laurant (fl. 1690) : Overture, “How Happy We Are in This Charming Grove”, First Air, Gigue

Maddalena Laura Sirmen (1745–1818) : Violin Concerto in A major, Op. 3 (Andante)

Maddalena Laura Sirmen : String Quartet in F minor

Guesdon de Presles (early 18th century–1754?) : “Rendez-vous, Most Charming Shepherdess”

Madame Papavoine (1735–1761) : “Le Cabriolet”, Cantatille for Solo Voice