Purcell’s “Dido and Aeneas” is one of the most beloved operas in the repertoire. Divas flock to the title role; Dido’s final “Lament” is a showstopper.

First performed in 1689 at Josias Priest's girls' school in London, Dido and Aeneas is based on a portion of Book IV of Virgil's epic poem, The Aeneid (29-19 BC). The 55-minute opera recounts the ...

It's a double first at Theatre Royal Bath with Henry Purcell's Dido and Aeneas. Regarded as England's first opera when initially performed around 1688, it's also the first opera to be performed in ...

Dido and Aeneas are lovers torn apart by witches who trick him into leaving the Carthage queen in order to establish a new city of Troy following his defeat in the Trojan War. With his departure ...

Dido, of course, rejects Aeneas because he intially succumbs to Fate's dictum that he leave her, but such conviction can emerge easily as prissiness, and its ruler, destiny, as mere farce.

Dido & Aeneas: A timeless tale of love, betrayal and more comes alive in Bengaluru (L-R) A glimpse into the rehearsals; (clockwise) Jonas Olsson, Maria Forsström and Sofia Winiarski ...

For a short opera, “Dido and Aeneas” packs a mighty punch. It’s hard to overstate the significance of Purcell’s poignant 17th century masterwork — or its lingering impact on music today.

As the opera opens, Dido, tortured by passion, is assured by her confidante Belinda that Aeneas does return her affection. And indeed, he confesses his love for her when next he enters.

‘Dido and Aeneas’ By Henry Purcell. Conducted by Jesse Martins. Directed by Martha Collins. Reviewed April 11, Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. Through April 25.