Opera Centenary to perform ‘Dido and Aeneas’ April 4th and 5th
Centenary College’s Hurley School of Music is pleased to share that Opera Centenary will perform Henry Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas April 4 and 5, 2025. Both nights of the spring production are free and will be at 7:30 p.m. in Anderson Auditorium.
Dido and Aeneas tells the tragic story of Dido, Queen of Carthage, who falls in love with the Trojan hero Aeneas who leaves her to fulfill his own destiny. Themes of love, betrayal, deceit, loss, and fate are explored, while also delving into the complexity of relationships and the reasoning behind heartbreaking choices.
“Performing Baroque opera allows us to use our imagination to reinterpret its elements to connect with today's audiences while still honoring the original style and structure,” said Dr. Briana Sosenheimer, assistant professor of music.
The stories and music found in Baroque opera continue to hold relevance, reaching modern audiences through its reflection of the human experience.
“I truly enjoy incorporating various forms of creative movement and dance into our productions,” said Sosenheimer. “During the Baroque period, dance was an integral part of opera, not only as entertainment but also as emotional storytelling. It was incredibly rewarding to guide students through this process and help them discover something new!”
Dido and Aeneas features one of the most hauntingly beautiful arias in opera, Dido's Lament, or “When I am laid in earth.”
“Purcell skillfully incorporates more arias and duets with rousing and moving chorus pieces in this piece,” noted Sosenheimer. “We are excited to perform with a talented small ensemble of instrumentalists, who will join us onstage to contribute to the intimate atmosphere of the production.”
Henry Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas is an opera in a prologue and three acts. The English opera first premiered in 1689. The Opera Centenary performances will be open to the public.