Opera Warwick presents a new production of Purcell's opera, Dido and Aeneas, which will be touring venues around the West Midlands and London this month. The production will feature professional baritone, Richard Whitehouse in the lead role and the new venture aims to raise the bar for student theatre at Warwick.

Behind the project is a collaboration of the University’s opera, drama, and dance societies. Artistic director, Genevieve Raghu, says, "Not only is this a great opportunity for our singers and dancers to work with such a moving and thrilling score, the powerful story also presents them with many dramatic challenges. Dido and Aeneas is acknowledged as one of Purcell’s greatest achievements because of its musical calibre and human sensitivity. It resonates with us still through its recognition of how our greatest strength – the ability to love – can also be our most dangerous weakness. Its appeal is universal and is an excellent introduction to opera."

The project will see performances taking place by candlelight in the churches of Coventry, Leamington Spa, Warwick, Birmingham, and London: the most extensive project attempted by the university’s performing arts collective to date.

Dido and Aeneas tells the ancient story of Queen Dido, who overcomes the tragedy of her husband’s death to build the magnificent city of Carthage. However, with the arrival of the shipwrecked Trojan, Aeneas, she is thrown into a situation which threatens to destroy her beloved city and also her own happiness.

The opera, Purcell’s most celebrated work, is traditionally included in the canon of the greatest British opera, and, as one of the very first to be written in English, is the perfect choice for a student team whose aim is to present accessible opera in what promises to be a series of truly theatrical and musically rewarding evenings.

To book, contact the Box office on 024 7652 2441.

For more information please contact Briony Rawle: b.rawle@warwick.ac.uk or visit the website at www.didoandaeneas.co.uk

Tickets are £10 for adults, £8 for concessions and £6 for students (NUS) at all venues.

Dates:

Wednesday 19 November: St John the Baptist Church, Fleet Street, Coventry, 8pm
Saturday 22 November: St Paul’s Church, Bedford Street, Covent Garden, London , 8pm
Monday 24 November: All Saints’ Church, Victoria Terrace, Leamington Spa, 8pm
Wednesday 26 November: St. Martin’s Church, The Bullring, Birmingham, 8pm
Saturday 29 November: St. Mary’s Church, 21 Church Street, Warwick, 8pm