Free Opera Tonight: She loves me not

 It is highly unusual for a baroque opera to end tragically and, 300 years after its premiere, Henry Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas still has the power to move, with its message about love and loss. Purcell’s exquisite music offers contrasting moods, ranging from Dido’s heartbreaking lament, via the darker tones of the witches, to the lively songs and dances of the sailors. The Liceu’s striking opera and dance production is directed by Blanca Li, who uses choreography to echo the main characters’ struggles to keep their passions in check.  Dido is sung by Kate Lindsey and Aeneas by Renato Dolcini.  William Christie, pioneer of period instruments and renowned specialist in baroque repertoire, conducts his ensemble Les Arts Florissants promising a sensitive and unconventional production from Barcelona. This opera is brought to you by Slippedisc, courtesy of OperaVision.

Subtitles in English, Spanish and Catalan.

The Plot:  Dido, founder and queen of Carthage, falls in love with the Trojan hero Aeneas and they conduct a passionate affair. Tricked into leaving Dido by an evil Sorceress, Aeneas prepares his fleet in secret for departure. Dido cannot live without Aeneas and sings her great lament (‘When I am laid in earth’) and her passing is mourned by a chorus of cupids.

Streamed on Friday 14th July 2023 at 1900 CET / 1800 London/ 1300 NY