Grimeborn 2026: Dido and Aeneas

Ensemble OrQuesta’s production of Dido and Aeneas celebrates its tenth anniversary this year. The opera (seen as Henry Purcell’s “only true opera”) follows the titular Dido as she struggles with her love for Aeneas, eventually falling victim to the a spirit’s vengeance as Aeneas is convinced to leave Carthage for Italy – his unwitting betrayal sealing her fate. Directed by Marcio da Silva (who also co-stars as Aeneas), the music is performed by Ensemble OrQuesta Baroque and also welcomes Rosemary Carlton-Willis back to the role she originated back in 2016. On this occasion she is alternating the roles of Dido and the Sorceress with Helen May; this is decided in advance for two of the performances, but for the remaining three shows it’s up to the audience to choose. It’s as much a marketing ploy as a creative one (there’s space on your voting slip to provide them with your email address), but it is always a fun twist when performers are put on the spot like this. They obviously know…