Cast
New production
Helen Charlston Dido, Queen of Carthage
Ana Vieira Leite Belinda, her sister
Renato Dolcini Aeneas, Prince of Troy, Magician
Maud Gnidzaz First witch
Virginia Thomas Second Witch, second wife
Jacob Lawrence Marin
Michael Loughlin Smith A Spirit
Clément Debieuvre Viola
Padraic Rowan Bass
Daniel Brant Viola
Christophe Gautier Bass
Alizée Duvernois, Coline Fayolle, Gael Rougegrez, Julien Marie-Anne, Meggie Isabet and Victor Virnot Dancers
Les Arts Florissants Choir and Orchestra
William Christie Musical conductor
Blanca Li Company
Blanca Li Director and choreographer
assisted by Déborah Torres Garguilo and Glyslein Lefever
Pierre Attrait Dramaturgy
Evi Keller Scenography and creation of Matière-Lumière. Sculptures Costumes for soloists in collaboration with
Laurent Mercier
Pascal Laajili Lighting
assisted by Jean-Luc Passarelli and Boris Pijetlovic
Laurent Mercier Costumes
assisted by Arriaga Ghjulia Giusti Muselli
Chloé Bellemère Scenography assistant
Show in English with french and english subtitles
Presentation
PROGRAMME
Henry Purcell : Didon et Enée
Celestial Music Did The Gods Inspire, Z322
Few Baroque operas have had such a destiny and aroused such emotions over the centuries. Composed by Purcell - sometimes called the British Orpheus - this absolute masterpiece of English Baroque music tells the story of the sincere but unhappy love between Aeneas, the future founder of Rome, and Dido, Queen of Carthage. The ancient myth is uniquely relevant to the Baroque style: in 17th-century opera, it is the scorned woman who takes precedence over the man of action. Dido, the archetype of betrayal in love, inspired more than a hundred operatic works, from Cavalli to Britten. More than any other, she gives voice to the heart-rending song of the broken soul - as in the sublime final lamento written by Purcell ("When I am laid in earth"), today part of the collective imagery of despair.
Very compact in form, Dido and Aeneas is an opera of astonishing variety, mixing pastoral, burlesque and tragedy. It is also one of the most beloved works of William Christie and Les Arts Florissants, who have often given it in concert; its last stage version was in 2009.
This new production of Dido and Aeneas, directed by the Madrid-based choreographer Blanca Li, is eagerly awaited. A member of the Académie des Beaux-Arts, Blanca Li already knows Les Arts Florissants well; she worked with them on Les Indes Galantes at the Opéra national de Paris in 1999. This project will also feature exceptional young soloists, selected among the laureates of the latest editions of Jardin des Voix, the young singers’ academy of Les Arts Florissants.
Friday 17th March at 7.30pm - the "15 minutes with" will take place at the Grand Foyer of the Royal Opera. This meeting will be hosted by William Christie, a renowned conductor, along with Blanca Li, a talented director and choreographer, and Evi Keller Keller, who handled the scenography and creation of Matière-Lumière.
On presentation of your ticket for that evening and subject to availability.
Photo gallery
© Teatros del Canal / Pablo Lorente
© Teatros del Canal / Pablo Lorente
© Teatros del Canal / Pablo Lorente
© Teatros del Canal / Pablo Lorente
© Teatros del Canal / Pablo Lorente
© Teatros del Canal / Pablo Lorente
© Teatros del Canal / Pablo Lorente
© Teatros del Canal / Pablo Lorente
© Teatros del Canal / Pablo Lorente
© Teatros del Canal / Pablo Lorente
© Teatros del Canal / Pablo Lorente
© Teatros del Canal / Pablo Lorente
© Teatros del Canal / Pablo Lorente
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Prestige VIP
PRESTIGE VIP CATEGORY : Best seats in house with complimentary glass of champagne and programme.
PRESTIGE CATEGORY : Excellent seats with complimentary glass of champagne and programme.
REDUCED RATE applicable to under 26s, Chateau de Versailles Spectacles card holders and groups of more than 10 people (excluding special company offer).
To ensure the best welcome possible, people with limited mobility are advised to book their seats by telephone at +33 (0)1 30 83 78 89.
In case of any technical problem, the box office service remain available to complete your order by phone at +33 (0)1 30 83 78 89 (Monday-Friday from 11am to 6pm) or in our box office-shop (3 bis rue des Réservoirs, 78000 Versailles ; Monday-Friday from 11am to 6pm, and on Saturdays with concerts or shows except during the Musical Fountains Shows, from 2pm to 5pm).
