This adaptation of Henry Purcell’s DIDO & AENEAS, a Baroque operatic masterwork first written in 1689, takes a fresh and controversial approach to the oldest English opera still being regularly performed today.
Mark Morris, choreographer of the critically acclaimed and provocative dance production, boldly creates the roles of both Dido and the Sorceress in this opera, long famed for its emotional drama, dance sequences and powerful final aria. It is the ill-fated love story of Dido, the noble Queen of Carthage, and the Trojan prince Aeneas. While Dido’s court celebrates the monarchs’ imminent union, the evil Sorceress with her coven of witches plots their downfall. Romance leads to heartbreak and tragedy.
Members of the incomparable Mark Morris Dance Group perform the supporting roles. Tafelmusik, the award-winning Toronto-based Baroque orchestra, provides accompaniment to a superb cast of vocal soloists, including the great American mezzo-soprano Jennifer Lane as Morris’s singing counterpart.
Rockie – Best Performing Arts Special
Banff International Television Festival
Gemini – Best Performing Arts Program
Gemini Awards, Canada
Golden Spire – Performance Special
San Francisco International Film Festival
55 MINUTES / PRODUCT OF CANADA / CLOSE CAPTIONED / DOLBY 2.0
This program is licensed for personal home use only. For educational and institutional use, click here to order from CBC Learning.
Mark Morris, choreographer of the critically acclaimed and provocative dance production, boldly creates the roles of both Dido and the Sorceress in this opera, long famed for its emotional drama, dance sequences and powerful final aria. It is the ill-fated love story of Dido, the noble Queen of Carthage, and the Trojan prince Aeneas. While Dido’s court celebrates the monarchs’ imminent union, the evil Sorceress with her coven of witches plots their downfall. Romance leads to heartbreak and tragedy.
Members of the incomparable Mark Morris Dance Group perform the supporting roles. Tafelmusik, the award-winning Toronto-based Baroque orchestra, provides accompaniment to a superb cast of vocal soloists, including the great American mezzo-soprano Jennifer Lane as Morris’s singing counterpart.
Rockie – Best Performing Arts Special
Banff International Television Festival
Gemini – Best Performing Arts Program
Gemini Awards, Canada
Golden Spire – Performance Special
San Francisco International Film Festival
55 MINUTES / PRODUCT OF CANADA / CLOSE CAPTIONED / DOLBY 2.0
This program is licensed for personal home use only. For educational and institutional use, click here to order from CBC Learning.
