Pacific MusicWorks: 'Dido & Aeneas' – Henry Purcell

Purcell – Dido & Aeneas

In the late 17th century, Henry Purcell had a musical life of Mozartian proportions – tragically short yet unbelievably brilliant. Synthesizing all the best elements of contemporary English, French, and Italian music, he created the first enduring English operas.

Unlike the larger semi-operas Fairy Queen and King Arthur, which include spoken texts between the musical numbers, Dido was his only entirely musical opera, and is his best-known and most beloved work for the stage. Lacking its original prologue and epilogue, it is like a noble torso.

PMW’s orchestra and soloists will team up with the University of Washington Chamber Singers to present a full-length version that includes Purcell’s sublime Welcome songs for the King’s return to court.

About UW Chamber Singers

http://music.washington.edu/ensembles/chamber-singers

About Pacific MusicWorks

http://www.pacificmusicworks.org/