Eboracum Baroque are delighted to return to the idyllic surroundings of King’s College Fellows’ Garden in Cambridge for a performance of Purcell’s classic opera, Dido and Aeneas. Bring a picnic and enjoy this timeless classic in a beautiful setting. Performed by top class period instrumentalists and with a brilliant cast of singers.

It recounts the story of Dido, Queen of Carthage and her love for the Trojan Warrior, Aeneas. With an evil Sorcerer and witches at work, this love is short lived as despair and destruction are brought to the Queen’s Court. Aeneas is tricked into leaving the stricken queen but defies the gods to return. Dido refutes Aeneas’s advances for even having the thought of leaving her. Belinda attempts to console the heart-broken queen, but all is in vain.

Purcell’s classic tale of love and betrayal sits alongside one of his lesser known works, Bonduca. This tells the story of the Celtic warrior queen, Boudicca and her fight and eventual downfall at the hands of the Roman Empire. It includes rousing choruses, rallying cries from the British druids and trumpet fanfares before a tragic end.

Bonduca – 30′

Interval

Dido and Aeneas – 60′

Dido – Frances Gregory

Aeneas – Gareth Edmunds

Belinda – Elen Lloyd Roberts

Leader – Alice Poppleton

Conductor – Chris Parsons

Full cast to be announced.