Dido and Aeneas in Bangalore is a unique collaboration project, bringing together some of the finest musicians from India and Sweden, in a performance of one of the most beloved chamber operas from the Baroque-period. Experience the passionate drama through stirring instrumental music, dance, arias and choirs - a must-see-hear in Bangalore in 2025!

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Dido and Aeneas is based on Book IV of Virgil’s epic The Aeneid. It is one of the earliest known English operas, and one of the most important and often performed operas written in the Baroque period. It is also Henry Purcell’s only true opera; that is, his only all-sung dramatic work.

What is most remarkable for such an important work in the opera repertoire, is that so little about it is known. A copy of a libretto from the 1700’s exists (possibly from the first performance), so we know it originally was composed as a Prologue and Opera. However, the music for the Prologue, the end of the act II Grove scene, and several dances have been lost, and indeed no score exists in Purcell’s handwriting.

Moreover, the dates of composition and the first performance are uncertain. It is known, through references in letters, that it was performed at a girls’ school in Chelsea, London, some time before the end of 1689. However, some scholars argue that the opera was composed and performed for the Royal Court of either James II or Charles II with a date as early as 1684, and argue that the reference in the Prologue to the joy of a marriage between two monarchs is an allegorical one.

Whatever history of the opera is waiting to be uncovered, what we do know, and perhaps most important of all, is that Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas is a deeply moving and unforgettable opera.

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Dido, Queen of Carthage - Maria Forsström, mezzo-soprano

Aeneas, Trojan hero - Rahul Bhardwaj, baritone

Belinda, Dido's confidante and handmaiden - Tanisha Herbert Rozario, soprano

Second Lady - Rachel Mathew, soprano

Sorceress - Sangita Santhosham, mezzo-soprano

1st Witch - Rebekah Alexander, soprano

2nd Witch - Ketki Herlekar, soprano

A Sailor - Benson Chacko, tenor

A Spirit - Nora Alexy, alto

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Violin - Carol George & Arun Rozario

Viola - Maria Winiarski

Cello - Kristina Winiarski

Bass - Jasiel Peter

Harpsichord - Rebecca Thomas Colaco

Percussion - Akshay Nagmule

Conductor - Sofia Winiarski

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Cappella Bangalore

The Bangalore Men

Dancers from The Lewis Foundation for Classical Ballet

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Producer - Jonas Olsson

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Presented by Legato School of Music in collaboration with Bangalore International Centre and The Lewis Foundation for Classical Ballet.

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Bangalore International Centre

Domlur

January 25th 2025 - 5.30 pm & 7.30 pm