We are delighted to welcome back Eboracum Baroque to the idyllic garden setting of Benslow Music in Hitchin for an outdoor performance of two of Henry Purcell's classic operas: Dido and Aeneas the The Fairy Queen.

In this concert performance, hear some of the UK's top young professional singers accompanied by an orchestra of period instruments.

Bring a rug and relax in the beautiful gardens at Benslow Music - drinks and light food will be available from our licensed bar.

The first half of the performance features highlights from Purcell's The Fairy Queen an adaptation of Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Nights Dream.'

The second half features a full performance of Dido and Aeneas. It recounts the story of Dido, Queen of Carthage and her love for the Trojan Warrior, Aeneas.

With an evil Sorcerer and witches at work, this love is short lived as despair and destruction are brought to the Queen's Court. Aeneas is tricked into leaving the stricken queen but defies the gods to return. Dido refutes Aeneas's advances for even having the thought of leaving her. Belinda attempts to console the heart-broken queen, but all is in vain.

Programme:

Purcell: The Fairy Queen