



A passionate love story. A hero bound by fate. A lover left behind.
Aeneas is a hero caught between his destiny and desire. Dido is the woman he must leave behind. For these star-crossed lovers, fate and romance are on a collision course, and when the smoke clears, Dido’s heart is found among the wreckage.
Purcell’s early opera gave the world one of the most poignant scores ever written and laid the foundation for every opera that came after.
Now, experience the power of Dido & Aeneas in a new staging from Circa Artistic Director Yaron Lifschitz, which sets “a new benchmark for opera production in Australia” (Limelight). Expect jaw-dropping physical feats from Circa’s talented ensemble alongside stunning voices in this follow-up to last year’s sell-out success Orpheus & Eurydice. Libby McDonnell’s glamorous costumes are chic creations of luxe materials and strong silhouettes, and Lifschitz has created a stark, slick set.
It’s always a delight to welcome a rising star home, and we have two in this production: tenor Nicholas Jones is currently a principal artist with Opéra national de Paris and mezzo soprano Anna Dowsley returns to sing Dido after great success overseas. Hear her perform as the doomed Queen of Carthage and sing her famous lament ‘When I am Laid in Earth’.
1hr 10min. No Interval.
13th March, 2025
29th March, 2025
Step-free access with lifts and wheelchair seating, accessible bathrooms across multiple levels, assistive listening, captioned and audio-described performances, and registered service animals are welcome throughout the Sydney Opera House.
BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The Sydney Opera House is short six-minute walk from Circular Quay, with frequent trains, buses and ferries. An accessible shuttle also operates between Circular Quay and the venue for those who require assistance.
BY BICYCLE: Bike parking is available beneath the Monumental Steps.
BY CAR: Parking is available at Wilson Parking Sydney Opera House Car Park, open 24/7 with undercover access to the Lower Concourse. Accessible parking spaces are also available on site.
★★★★★ A new benchmark for opera production in Australia - Limelight.
Conductor: Erin Helyard and Chad Kelly
Director & Stage Designer: Yaron Lifschitz
Costume Designer: Libby McDonnell
Lighting Designer: Matthew Marshall
CAST
Dido/Sorceress: Anna Dowsley
Aeneas: Nicholas Jones
Belinda: Jane Ede
Second Lady: Sian Sharp
First Witch/Spirit 'Mercury'/Sailor: Kanen Breen
Performed with: Opera Australia Orchestra, Opera Australia Chorus & Circa Ensemble
*Subject to change
Unfortunately, tickets for this event are no longer available.
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