One of the earliest and most celebrated operas, Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas is arguably one of the most important operatic works of the 17th century.
Having forsworn romantic love, Dido, Queen of Carthage, is tormented by the Trojan hero Aeneas, who is desperate for her affections. As their love is kindled, a powerful sorcerer plots the queen’s downfall. Through deceit, trickery, and the conjuring of a raging storm, Dido is ripped from Aeneas, in Purcell’s soaring, richly nuanced work culminating in one of opera’s greatest tragedies.
This production marked the return for audiences to attend a live theater performance indoors at Opera San Jose, as well as Pulitzer’s first show back after covid.
