La Fille mal Gardée

A comic ballet in two acts
World premiere on July 1, 1789 in Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux
Premiere in the Estonian National opera on March 26, 2026

Choreographer and Stage Director: Marc Ribaud (Stuttgart Ballet)
Composer: Ferdinand Hérold (France)
Arranged by John Lanchberry (England/Australia)
Music Director and Conductor: Lauri Sirp
Conductors: Mikk Murdvee, Andres Kaljuste
Set Designer: Richard Roberts (Australia)
Costume Designer: Lexi De Silva (Australia)

One of the oldest ballets in the classical ballet repertoire, “La fille mal gardée” originally premiered in 1789 in Bordeaux, France, and has never been out of fashion since. This colourful update of the ballet by Marc Ribaud set in 1950’s rural South of France is stylish, funny and tender, and will put a spring in your step and a smile on your face.

When country belle Lise falls in love with farm lad Colas, she upsets her overbearing Mother, the widow Simone. Widow Simone has her own ideas about who her daughter should marry. Unfortunately, the left-footed Alain, son of pompous and wealthy vineyard owner Thomas, is not at all to Lise’s liking. A row of mischievous events follow that bring Lise out of Alain’s clutches and the apron strings of Simone, and into the arms of her lover Colas.

With an engaging story, wonderful wit and pulsating passion, Marc Ribaud’s version remains froma firm favourite for all the family.

© Boosey & Hawkes Music Publishers Limited