Acclaimed for its insightful and unique interpretations of the lesser-known works from the Baroque period, Pinchgut Opera also relishes the opportunity to put its signature stamp on one of the best-known operas in the repertory.

Few stories capture the essence of tragic love, heroism and destiny as intensely as the tale of the Trojan hero Aeneas and the noble Queen Dido, the founder of Carthage. It is this star-crossed love story, laden with the tumultuous interplay of duty, passion and fate, that Purcell, a master of music for the theatre, chose as the subject of his only true opera.

Award-winning playwright and renowned Australian actor Kate Mulvany is writing a new spoken-word prologue for the production that helps us freshly understand Purcell’s original setting.

Australian star soprano Valda Wilson returns to Pinchgut as Dido, with David Greco as Aeneas, Kanen Breen inhabiting the snarling malice of the Sorceress, and the ever-eloquent Sara Macliver as Belinda.

Dido and Aeneas features some of the most beautiful Baroque music of all time, including the final lament of Dido, which was aptly featured in the final season of the HBO smash-hit series The White Lotus.

Musically resplendent and thrillingly fierce, Pinchgut’s presentation of Dido and Aeneas is not to be missed.

• Artists

  Valda Wilson

  Dido

  David Greco

  Aeneas

  Sara Macliver

  Belinda

  Kanen Breen

  Sorceress

  Cantillation

  Chorus

  Orchestra of the Antipodes

  Erin Helyard

  Conductor

  Lucy Clements

  Director

  Kate Mulvany

  Prologue Writer

  Jeremy Allen

  Designer

  Morgan Moroney

  Lighting Designer