Dido - Beth Taylor (mezzo-soprano)
Aeneas - Jonathan Brown (baritone)
Sorceress - Hilary Summers (contralto)
Early Opera Company
Christian Curnyn (conductor)
Experience the drama and beauty of Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas in a thrilling concert performance by the Early Opera Company under the baton of Christian Curnyn in the historic surroundings of Temple Church. This moving masterpiece tells the story of Dido, Queen of Carthage, and her love for the Trojan hero Aeneas, ending in heartbreak when he abandons her.
A dream cast is led by mezzo-soprano Beth Taylor, whose sumptuous voice captivated Temple audiences in her recent recital. From Dido’s haunting lament to the opera’s vibrant choruses, this performance promises emotional intensity, vocal artistry, and brilliant period playing. Paired with Purcell’s radiant ode Welcome to all the Pleasures and presented in one of London’s most beautiful and historic settings, it offers an unforgettable evening of Baroque music.
This performance is generously supported by The Continuo Foundation and Blackstone Chambers.
"Dido and Aeneas, performed by the Early Opera Company at Wigmore Hall, is a gem that shone brightly in this performance."
Rupert Christiansen, The Telegraph"Last night the mezzo-soprano was Beth Taylor...She sang with a perfectly natural fullness of tone that was tender and magnificent at once, though she had already melted us in the preceding hushed prayer."
The Telegraph