Dido and Aeneas in concert

Henry Purcell’s gripping drama, based on Virgil’s The Aeneid, tells the story of the Trojan hero Aeneas and his love affair, thwarted by witchcraft, with the Carthaginian queen Dido. As the sails of the ship carrying Aeneas away from Carthage disappear as dots over the horizon, we hear Dido’s famous lament. “Remember me, but forget my fate”, she sings while she goes to her death, calling on those around her to remember everything about her except her tragic end. Prior to Dido and Aeneas, Purcell’s “When Orpheus sang” from his musical ode Celestial music did the gods inspire (1689) will be performed by Dutch National Opera Studio alumna Polly Leech. In addition, Camille Delaforge has enriched the instrumental interludes in Dido and Aeneas with a variety of dance music, giving the continuo and orchestra ample space to flourish.

Talent development

Dutch National Opera, Opera Zuid and Nederlandse Reisopera are once again joining forces to create opportunities for talent development. Led by up-and-coming conductor Camille Delaforge, the talented young performers of Dutch National Opera Studio, together with the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra and the DNO Young Baroque Voices, consisting of a promising group of young conservatorium students, will be tackling Purcell’s enthralling Baroque repertoire. Delaforge will be using musicians from her own Ensemble Il Caravaggio for the basso continuo.