Malibran rediscovered: A portrait of Maria Malibran by Cecilia Bartoli

This unique film follows Cecilia Bartoli as she pays tribute to the legendary singer Maria Malibran, the first female superstar in music history, muse to composers and Romantic goddess to her adoring public.

In an exciting journey to the places where Malibran used to live and perform, the film tells the story of this extraordinary artist and of Cecilia Bartoli's fascination for her. Maria Malibran was born in 1808 in Paris, educated by her father Manuel Garcia (an opera singer and composer himself), and quickly rose to superstardom in Europe and North America. She died at the peak of her career, due to a shocking riding accident, at the early age of 29 in Manchester.

Shadowing Cecilia Bartoli as she researches the life and music of Maria Malibran, we find out that the two divas have a great deal in common. Filmed at the MARIA recording sessions in Switzerland, the film features arias and songs associated with Maria Malibran performed by Cecilia Bartoli, as well as rare backstage footage.