Dido and Aeneas - A Virtual Opera Presentation at Central Piedmont Community College-

Henry Purcells only true opera, Dido and Aeneas, is based on Book IV of Virgils epic poem, Aeneid. The first performance took place at Josias Priests Boarding School for Girls in 1689, where all the roles were performed by females. After the operas premiere it was not performed for 100 years, but now has its place in the list of operas most often performed and recorded. Written in 3 acts, but less than 1 hour long, Dido and Aeneas, is the best choice for Central Piedmont's Operas premiere virtual presentation. Much appreciation to Central Piedmont's Dance and Clay Daniel, choreographer, for their contribution to our production. Enjoy! SYNOPSISDido, widowed Queen of Carthage, has welcomed the Trojan Prince Aeneas and his men while they rest and repair their ship. Aeneas has been sent by the gods after the fall of Troy to found a new Troy on Italian shores, the Roman Empire. Dido and Aeneas have fallen in love, and the Trojan prince is lingering in Carthage. However, his destiny lies in Italy, and the gods intervene. The Sorceress and her coven of witches plot Didos destruction. The Sorceress conjures a storm to break out when the royal couple is hunting. As Dido and her handmaidens rush back to town, the Sorceress sends a false messenger in the form of Mercury, telling Aeneas he must leave Dido and journey on to Italy. Aeneas and his sailors prepare to set sail, to the delight of the witches, but the dismay of Dido and her people. Aeneas longs to remain in Carthage, but at Didos urging knows the gods will must be obeyed. At his departure, Dido resigning herself to death sings the famous aria, When I am laid in earthRemember me.