We are thrilled to return to St John’s Smith Square this September with a concert performance of Purcell’s opera Dido and Aeneas. In the role of Dido is none other than Dame Sarah Connolly – she leads a stellar cast including Mary Bevan, Jonathan McGovern, Hilary Summers and Miriam Allan. Christian Curnyn directs the players of EOC who come fresh from a summer of performances at Buxton International Festival and Iford Arts.
The opera opens as Dido, Queen of Carthage, declares her love for Trojan soldier Aeneas, but as opera fans know, the course of love runs far from smooth. Purcell’s most famous opera may be compact but it punches above its weight with a timeless tale of passionate love and unbearable anguish, sorcery, war and betrayal. Purcell’s music perfectly captures the emotions of the story – from thunderstorm to joyful union. When I Am Laid In Earth is one of the most beautiful arias in all baroque opera and to hear it performed by Dame Sarah Connolly will be a real treat.
