Delight in two masterpieces of early English opera

A double bill featuring two masterpieces of early English opera recorded in the beautiful Confidencen Theatre, Sweden.

A double bill featuring two masterpieces of early English opera recorded in the beautiful Confidencen Theatre, Sweden. 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.

Recorded by SVT and SR in Sweden.

Genre Opera
Recording location Confidencen Theatre, Sweden
Recording date 2021
Stage Director William Relton
TV Director Jonas Hermansson
Distribution VOD Naxos Rights (Europe) Ltd
Distribution TV Naxos Rights (Europe) Ltd
Distribution theatrical Naxos Rights (Europe) Ltd
Distribution DVD Naxos Rights (Europe) Ltd
Orchestra / Band Confidencen Opera and Music Festival Orchestra
Executive Producer Ditte Feuk for SVT