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A rethinking of Purcell's beloved opera, including the premiere of a new piece that takes us into the inner psyche of the proud Queen of Carthage. Co-commissioned by the Hop.
The Brentano String Quartet brings the doomed love story to life, starting the first half of the program with a contrasting, yet complementary, mix of early English works for consort of viols and songs. The result is a luminous intimacy, beautifully private that the audience feels the privilege of eavesdropping on an undefended and vulnerable expression. And the culmination is Dido's famous lament, the intensely intimate plea confessed to a friend, as she relinquishes her hold on life.
The second half, co-commissioned by the Hop, sees Pulitzer-winning composer Melinda Wagner and librettist Stephanie Fleischmann breathe new life into Dido. They imagine her psyche, her vulnerability and her strength. Dawn Upshaw becomes Dido and explores Dido's raw honesty. Through this chamber music monodrama we probe into Dido's inner resources, and the emotional richness inherent in her predicament.
Learn more and get tickets here
Events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.