Musical Theatre/Opera Ensemble to present scenes from 'Dido and Aeneas'

2017 Apr 13

Trine University's Musical Theatre/Opera Ensemble will present selected scenes from Henry Purcell's "Dido and Aeneas" beginning at 6 p.m. April 22 in the Ryan Concert Hall of the T. Furth Center for Performing Arts.

The performance is free and open to the public.

Composed around 1686, the opera, based on a story from Virgil's "Aeneid," recounts the story of Dido, queen of Carthage, her love for the Trojan hero Aeneas and the tragedy that results when he abandons her.

Originally written to feature nine singers in solo roles, as well as a soprano/alto/tenor/bass chorus, this performance has been adapted for the four members of the Musical Theater/Opera Ensemble.

"While we have cut some numbers and assigned other numbers to characters other than those originally intended by Purcell, we have kept the underlying plot of 'Dido and Aeneas' entirely intact," said Ashlee Bickley, director of the Musical Theater/Opera Ensemble. "Audience members will be treated to a short evening of opera that ends with one of Purcell's most famous opera arias, 'When I am laid in earth,' commonly referred to as 'Dido's Lament.' "

The cast includes August Buehrer, a senior from Angola, as Belinda; Megan Miller, a junior from Angola, as Dido; Joshua Marty, a senior from Clyde, Ohio, as Aeneas; and Caleb Herber, a freshman from Fort Wayne, as Sorcerer/Spirit.

Laura Dallman, adjunct music faculty, will provide piano accompaniment.