Dido

MWO OpenStages - MATINEE PERFORMANCE As the culmination of an inspirational week of music-making and rehearsals involving professionals, students and amateur musicians, join MWO's OpenStages company for two fully staged public performances of Purcell's masterpiece Dido & Aeneas at St Andrew's Church, Presteigne. Purcell's opera was first performed in the spring of 1689 for Josias Priest's School for Girls in Chelsea. The work then suffered periods of neglect but triumphantly re-established itself in the 20th century. The opera follows the tragic love between Dido, Queen of Carthage and Aeneas, a love destroyed by the malevolent interference of a sorceress and her spirits. Believing Aeneas' love to be false, Dido, in the heart-aching final lament, prepares for death. The opera will be sung in its original English libretto and will be accompanied by MWO's OpenStages orchestra. Duration 70 minutes