Dido and Aeneas
Purcell in a concert version | 29, 30 August, 2025
Purcell at the Wawel Castle. An opera that will sound different from anything
As early as the end of August, the arcade courtyard of the Wawel Royal Castle will become the stage for a unique musical event. On two evenings: 29 and 30 August 2025, Henry Purcell’s opera Dido and Aeneas will be performed there in a concert version. This is one of the most important Baroque operas – short but poignant, focusing on emotion and drama.
Purcell’s work will be performed by the acclaimed French ensemble Le Poème Harmonique, specialising in historically faithful interpretations of early music. The concert will be conducted by Vincent Dumestre, a conductor and lute player known for his exceptional artistic sensitivity and expressive interpretations of Baroque works.
Dido and Aeneas is an opera based on a story taken from Virgil’s Aeneid. It is based on the story of the Queen of Carthage and the Trojan hero. Purcell used this myth to compose music that is intense and moving, using simple means but with a great emotional charge. Le Poème Harmonique will play this work without theatrical staging – in a concert version where sound, interpretation and contact with space will be at the forefront.
And the space will be unique. Arcade courtyard of the Wawel Castle is one of the most characteristic sites in Kraków – a place that witnessed many historical events and creates a unique atmosphere. Juxtaposed with the drama of Dido and Aeneas, this architectural setting takes on a new dimension.
Both concerts start at 20:00.
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Artists:
Le Poème Harmonique – choir and orchestra
Vincent Dumestre – conductor
Adèle Charvet, Dido, Queen of Carthage
Ana Quintanss, Belinda, her sister
Jean-Christophe Lanièce, Aeneas, Trojan Prince
Igor Bouin, Sorcerer, sailor
Caroline Meng, First Witch
Anouk Defontenay, Second Witch
Fernando Escalona Melendez, Spirit
Marie Théoleyre, Second Woman
ORCHESTRA
First violin
Louise Ayrton (solo)
Camille Aubret
Rozarta Luka
Boris Winter
Second violin
Sandrine Dupe
Clara Lemaïtre
Violas
Delphine Millour
Viola da gamba / cello
Lucas Peres
Double bass
Simon Guidicelli
Flutes
Renata Duarte
Anaïs Ramage
Bassoon, flute
Krzysztof Lewandowski
Percussion instruments
Samuel Domergue
Guitars
Victorien Disse
Yuli Bayeul
Harp
Sara Agueda Martin
Virginals
Elisabeth Geiger
CHOIR
Sopranos
Marie Picaut
Jeanne Lefort
Virginie Thomas
Armelle Marcq
Altos
Damien Ferrante
Cécile Madelin
Tenors
Ivar Hervieu
Léo Reymann
Stéphan Orly
Lisandro Pelegrina
Guillame Gutierrez
Basses
Roland Ten Weges
Lucas Bacro
Vlad Crosman
Valentin Jansen
Jean-Sébastien Beauvais – choir preparation
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