ED2019 4/5 Reviews ED2019 Music Reviews

Dido And Aeneas (Coro 19)

By Louise Rodgers | Published on Wednesday 14 August 2019

It’s a chilling story of death, witchcraft and betrayal, yet this talented company made Purcell’s baroque chamber opera fun with their winning characterisations! There is a soap opera quality to Nahum Tate’s libretto that the animated performers brought out beautifully, making the audience appreciate the humanity of this oft-told tale. Belinda, sung by Cary Irving, won hearts with her solicitous rapport with the imperious Queen Dido, expressed excitedly in ‘Pursue Thy Conquest Love’. Special mention has to go to George Ross for extracting the very utmost out of ‘Come Away Fellow Sailors’ – complete with backwards hat and actions. The witches were entertainingly malicious and the chorus excellent, while the instrumental ensemble held everything together expertly in this lively concert performance.

St Andrew’s and St George’s West, run ended.
tw rating 4/5 | [Louise Rodgers]