John Blow (1649-1708)
Venus and Adonis (Vénus et Adonis), opéra en 3 actes et 1 prologue

Henry Purcell (1659-1695)
Dido and Æneas Z. 626 (Didon et Énée), opéra en 3 actes

Ida Ränzlöv, mezzo-soprano (Vénus/Didon)
Berny Ola Volungholen, baryton (Adonis/Enée)
Rupert Enticknap, contreténor (Cupidon/Sorceress)
Christina Larsson Malmberg, soprano (La Muse/Belinda)
Confidence Opera & Music Festival Orchestra
Olof Boman, direction
William Relton, mise en scène

Two classic court operas are brought together to tell the stories of love, be it between gods or royalty in the historic Confidencen Theatre, Sweden. Venus & Adonis, composed in 1683 by John Blow, is considered the earliest example of English opera. It tells the enchanting story of two mythical lovers and their cruel fate in scenes reaching from lighthearted comedy to heartfelt despair. Henry Purcell’s Dido & Aeneas from 1689 has become one of the most famous and beloved operas from the Baroque era, with its sumptuous music, dramatic plot and its themes of love, friendship, jealousy, and cruelty. The opera is perhaps best known for Dido’s painfully beautiful lament When I am Laid in Earth.