Following the success of last year's production of Venus and Adonis by Dr John Blow, Glasgow University Opera Society returns to the stage with a double-bill offering by Mr Henry Purcell. Court masque Timon of Athens sets the scene for the tale of Dido and Aeneas. Instrumental support is provided by period instrument ensemble, Musick for the Mirth of Kings. Join us to relive this age-old story of love, torment and tragedy.
Within a lifetime of only 36 years, Henry Purcell (1659-1695) achieved musical greatness. He was considered one of England's greatest and most original composers of his time. He worked as a composer and conductor for the royal court, writing extensively for the stage as well as chamber ensembles, incorporating stylistic elements of Italian and French music into his compositions. Dido and Aeneas was based on Virgil's Aeneid and the libretto was written by the poet laureate Nahum Tate. While the details of its premiere are uncertain, we do know that it was performed in 1689 at Josiah Priest's boarding school in Chelsea. Now generally considered Purcell's first and only all-sung opera, the work has remained in the standard operatic repertoire to this day.
After being re-founded last year, Glasgow University Opera Society have gone from strength to strength with an increase in the number of members, affiliation with the SRC, success in obtaining funding grants from various sources, and with even more of a wealth of musical and artistic expertise in the directorial team. The team are also delighted to be joined by a period instrument ensemble to help bring this wonderful and vibrant Baroque music to life.
Elizabeth Malnar, Artistic Director
Tiffany Vong, Musical Director
Joshua Stutter, Assistant Musical Director
Musick for the Mirth of Kings
John Butt, Artistic Advisor
Chorus:
Pippa Innes, Esther Norie, Jen Cassidy, Erin McCrystal, Phoebe Hayman, Dugie Graham-Campbell, Robin Fodor, Peter Sykes, Alasdair Robertson, Joshua McCullough
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