words by Brian Bilston, Alice Duer Miller, Ruth Fox, Kitty O'Meara
music by Paul Ayres

performed by The Ruffians: Amy Kearsley & Miranda Ostler & Hestor Dart
with the composer at the piano

advance tickets £15 (if ordered by 21 September)
admission £20 on the door - includes wine or soft drink. under 21s free

available from 07821 587670 or paulayres@clara.net

Part of the Tête-à-Tête Opera Festival 2025

Bitter Visions: By Order of Hildegard is an R&D work inspired by Hildegard von Bingen’s 12th-century morality play Ordo Virtutum. This reimagining invites audiences into an immersive, meditative experience which fuses medieval plainchant with ambient electronic soundscapes.

 Bitter Visions follows the demise of the Soul, who becomes estranged from her fellow Virtues after being seduced by the Devil. Through her journey, Ololyga re-examines notions of female desire and virtue, whilst confronting ongoing debates around sexual agency and bodily autonomy. Drawing upon medieval monastic traditions of chant and meditation, Bitter Visions invites audiences into a visceral and immersive sonic experience, channeling Hildegard’s belief in music as a divine and healing force that can bridge body, soul, and cosmos.

Miranda will play one of the three Virtues alongside her fellow Ruffians, Amy Kearsley and Hestor Dart.

Photograph by Olivia Carrell

Platinum Consort
Platinum 415
Platinum Choristers
Scott Inglis-Kidger

Miranda will be a step-out soloist.