Erin Helyard – Music Director
Madeleine Pierard – Dido
David Greco – Aeneas
Carleen Ebbs – Belinda

Purcell – Dido and Aeneas in Concert

The origin story of the intimate opera Dido and Aeneas is shrouded in mystery. Scholars have trawled history, concluding that it was likely premiered at Josias Priest’s boarding school for girls in London sometime before 1689, despite there being no score from that first performance. The plot is taken from Virgil’s Aeneid, when Aeneas flees the destruction of Troy and ends up in Carthage, leading to a tragic love affair with Dido.

Australian conductor and harpsichordist Erin Helyard is acclaimed for his historically-informed performances. He directs this highly emotional work, guiding the audience through the drama that culminates in Dido’s final showstopper lament “When I am laid in earth.”

**We’re keen to keep our musicians safe and the music playing in 2023, so we strongly encourage mask wearing at all concerts.**