The Cellist

The Cellist is a one-act ballet choreographed by Cathy Marston to music by Edward Elgar, receiving its world premiere by The Royal Ballet at the Royal Opera House on 3 March 2020. The work is inspired by the life of Jacqueline du Pré, the British cellist whose extraordinary career was cut short by multiple sclerosis. The ballet depicts du Pré's passionate relationship with her cello — personified as a male dancer — her marriage to Daniel Barenboim, and the progressive loss of her ability to play. Lauren Cuthbertson created the title role of the Cellist in the world premiere.