The apprentice artists of the Soo Opera theater present Viardot's opera "Cendrillon", composed in 1904 and based on the story of "Cinderella". This 70-minute production will feature a live orchestra, original sets, and a cast of talented young college vocal students.

Pauline Viardot (1821-1910) enjoyed a successful career as a mezzo-soprano, touring the major European opera houses and inspiring the greatest composers of the era to dedicate works for her voice. Not only a talented performer, she also began composing her own works at a young age. While many of her pieces were meant for private performance, to develop the skills of her vocal students, they nevertheless attracted the praise of the musical establishment. Her teacher and mentor Franz Liszt even declared her "a woman composer of genius."

The Soo Opera (Sault Ste. Marie, MI) has been presenting summer opera since its establishment in 2007. The program brings together experienced performers and students of opera for a summer residency of learning and music making.