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In the late eighteenth century music historians decided, on not much evidence, that Purcell had composed Dido and Aeneas especially for schoolgirls. Its Chelsea boarding school performance(s) happened, undoubtedly, in 1688 or 89; but the scholars should have stopped to ask what a rising star like Purcell stood to gain by involving himself in fringe musical theatre.

Over the past thirty years or so a different view has gained traction. Dido makes excellent if unexpected sense when re- imagined as a gritty, at times rather risqué piece meant to impress King Charles II and his famously broadminded connoisseur circle.

Bruce Wood’s new Purcell Society edition takes full account of these research developments. Dido sources need no longer be rated for accuracy – assumed closeness to Purcell – by wholly circumstantial ‘amateur-friendly’ criteria. Academy staff and students are thrilled to be collaborating with the Purcell Society and publishers Stainer & Bell, in order to give this new edition its world premiere.


PROGRAMME:
Henry Purcell (1659-1695)
Dido and Aeneas, Z 626

Elizabeth Kenny – musical director
Jack Furness – director

All performers at this event are conforming to our safety requirements of being at least two metres apart.

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