Dialogues des Carmelites by Poulenc Clive Timms conductor Stephen Barlow director David Farley designer Declan Randall lighting designer Stephen Barlow makes his Guildhall School Opera debut directing Poulenc's operatic masterpiece retelling the harrowing story of the Novice, Blanche, and the other members of the Carmelite community of Compiègne in revolutionary France. The performance on 3 March will be preceded by a free performance of opera scenes by Opera Ensemble students in the foyer at 6.15pm.