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
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There are a number of wheelchair and companion seating locations in all theatres. To book accessible seating contact Box Office on +61 2 9250 7777
GETTING TO THE VENUE:
BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The Sydney Opera House is a six-minute walk to Circular Quay which is regularly served by public buses, trains and ferries to Circular Quay.
BY BICYCLE: Bicycle parking is located beneath the Monumental Steps.
BY CAR: Wilson Parking owns and operates the public Sydney Opera House Car Park, which is located at 2 Macquarie Street (Northern end). The car park is open 24 hours, 7 days a week, and has undercover access to the Sydney Opera House Lower Concourse.
Further information of getting to the Sydney Opera House can be found here.
★★★★★ 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
Dido & Aeneas runs for 1hr 10min. No Interval.
Dido & Aeneas is at Sydney's Joan Sutherland Theatre | Sydney Opera House, which is located at Bennelong Point, Sydney, 2000.
Dido & Aeneas tickets start at $84.
Check the top of this page for current availability and exclusive offers on Dido & Aeneas tickets on TodayTix.
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