Event Description

Dido and Aeneas, the ancient Roman myth of love and betrayal, was recounted 2,000 years ago in Virgil's Aeneid — and still resonates today.

The Trojan hero Aeneas lands on the shores of Carthage, where the beautiful and proud Queen Dido reigns. Just after winning her love, Aeneas suddenly departs — summoned by the gods. Was it destiny or betrayal?

No composer has evoked this question with more poignancy than Henry Purcell, whose renowned 17th-century opera "Dido and Aeneas" is a gem of the baroque repertoire. The program includes sparkling instrumental dances from Purcell's King Arthur and The Fairy-Queen.