CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – The University of Northern Iowa School of Music will present  winter opera performances of Henry Purcell’s “Dido and Aeneas” on Saturday, January 29 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, January 30 at 7:30 p.m. in the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center.

These performances will feature the UNI Opera Ensemble under the direction of Richard Gammon, director, and Korey Barrett, vocal coach, and will include the Northern Iowa Symphony Orchestra led by Erik Rohde, conductor.

“Dido and Aeneas” is based on Book IV of Virgil’s epic poem “The Aeneid.”

The epic tale recounts the legendary story of the widowed Queen of Carthage and her Trojan guest, Aeneas. Shortly after their romance ignites, a deposed sorcerer who despises the young queen sends one of his spirits to Aeneas. Disguised as a god, the spirit commands the Trojan hero to depart the queen’s shores. Despite his love for Dido, Aeneas is bound by his obedience to the gods and abandons the queen. Now finding herself forsaken and alone, Dido must choose between what is right for herself and for her kingdom.

To purchase tickets, call (319) 273-4TIX, or visit unitix.uni.edu. For more information on this, or other School of Music events, call (319) 273-2028 or visit music.uni.edu. 

Contact:

Caroline Francis, Communication & Operations Coordinator, caroline.francis@uni.edu, (319) 273-2028

Steve Schmadeke, Public Relations Manager, steve.schmadeke@uni.edu, 319-273-2761