Purcell’s “Dido and Aeneas”

“Dido and Aeneas” by the English Baroque composer Henry Purcell is one of his foremost theatrical works, his only true opera, and one of the earliest known English operas. Dido’s final “Lament” has been described as a diva’s showstopper. It has a debated history, meaning, and significance. Dido (Alix Jerinic, mezzo-soprano), queen of Carthage, was determined to never remarry after the death of her husband but is tormented by her attraction to a Trojan, Aeneas (Marcus Cardenas, tenor). Belinda (Hanna Staley, soprano), her sister, believes uniting the two kingdoms would benefit all. Aeneas arrives and convinces Dido of his love, and she accepts him. However, a sorceress and her witches plot the downfall of Dido and conjure up a storm while sending Aeneas away. Dido confronts Aeneas over his betrayal of their love and although he vows to stay, she imagines she must die and asks to be remembered well. Featuring the California Arts Academy Dancers (Margaret Hord, choreography) with Edna Garabedian (stage director) and Gregory Magie (conductor) with the Cal Opera Chamber Orchestra.

Host or Publisher California Opera