Dido Music Info: OPERA SAN MIGUEL - DIDO and AENEAS" HENRY PURCELL.

Culture OPERA SAN MIGUEL - DIDO and AENEAS"HENRY PURCELL.

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Contributor / 2011-02-20 11:32:48

Casa De Cultura, San Miguel De Salinas, February 18th, 2011. Apart from sitting on each other's laps, there was very small way to lay any latecomers to Friday's performance of Purcell's Greek tragedy "Dido & Aeneas".

Front of house staff, resplendent as always, in black tie, conjured up chairs from every niche and corner, and as with other productions from "Opera San Miguel", the "Home Full" house was dusted off, and placed at the door.

As the story unfolds, Dido, dramatically played by Paulina Rossie, falls head over heels in bed with the Prince of Troy, played by Rodney Porter. Dido is sure that gods are against her love for this handsome Prince, and will not let Aeneas ask for her hand in marriage. The gods, have no concerns about the relationship, but the resident Sorceress, played by Katy Pargeter, has other ideas!

Witches, spookily played by Nancy Muir and Anne MacFadyen, call on the services of a spirit, played by Mary Lewis, to take on the guise of Mercury (Bill Lewis), and to tell Aeneas, to return immediately to Italy, and let no more thoughts to take Dido as his wife.

Not content with breaking up this romance, more hocus-pocus is to be from these witches. They put a death while on Dido, and set about destroying Carthage in flames. Aeneas tells Dido that he is to allow for Troy, but then thinks perhaps that he will risk the wrath of the gods, and stay with her, but Dido orders him to do his way back to Troy.

As Dido sings a beautiful aria, the spell takes effect, and her death soon follows. "When I am set in earth, may my wrongs create no trouble in my breast. Remember me, but ah! forget my fate".

Interestingly, over 20 of the performers fly into Spain, to hold power in "The Workshops" and to measure the boards, under the watchful eye of Musical Director Tom Pargeter.

This full house on Friday enjoyed a most professional performance, one I am sure, had Henry Purcell been watching, would have more than approved. We look forward to the next production from "Opera San Miguel" Rob Barnes.