Dido & Aeneas

Dido & Aeneas: Conservatory Vocal Talents Shine in Purcell’s Masterpiece

The Luthers Bach Ensemble, in collaboration with up-and-coming vocal talent from the Prince Claus Conservatory, presents a fully staged performance of the famous opera “Dido and Aeneas.”

Repeat Performance
The Luthers Bach Ensemble will once again collaborate with the vocal department of the Prince Claus Conservatory. Henry Purcell’s famous opera “Dido and Aeneas” is on the program: a revival of the sold-out performances from 2023, but this time featuring a new group of students. Tenor Olivier Kemler is the only one returning to sing the role of Aeneas. The fully staged performance is once again directed by Elsina Jansen and artistic director Tymen Jan Bronda.

Story
The opera’s story is based on the *Aeneid*, in which the poet Virgil recounts the heroic deeds of Aeneas. But in the opera, Dido is the main character. As queen of Carthage and a widow, she is determined to do everything in her power to be a dignified ruler. Despite her initial reservations, she falls in love with the Trojan hero Aeneas. Just as the two are spending their first night together, the sorceress throws a wrench in the works. She devises a ruse that forces Aeneas to return to Troy, thereby abandoning his beloved Dido. Dido is heartbroken… and that is precisely what the sorceress and her witches want. Purcell wrote a beautiful and moving lament for this desperate queen, the highlight of this opera: “When I am laid in earth, remember me.”

Before intermission
In addition to this masterful opera, the intermission program features a selection of beautiful Baroque arias and duets, performed by the talented students of the Prince Claus Conservatory. 

Organization & Performers
Prince Claus Conservatory: Hanneke de Wit’s vocal class
Director: Elsina Jansen
Design: Pascalle van Gurp
Musical coaching for soloists: David van Laar
Artistic Director: Tymen Jan Bronda
Baroque Orchestra Luthers Bach Ensemble