Dido and Aeneas brought together ballet, music, poetry and visual art.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The staging of Dido and Aeneas, written 300-odd years ago by Henry Purcell, in Bengaluru, showed how the riveting story was still relevantLike many love stories, the saga of Dido and Aeneas is complex – and tragic. Rooted in classical mythology, referencing two epics (a minor character in Homer’s Iliad, Aeneas plays protagonist in Virgil’s Aeneid) and populated by gods masquerading as mortals (Aeneas is son of Grecian love goddess Aphrodite while Dido, the powerful Queen of Carthage, is compared to Roman goddess Diana) – the narrative brings alive larger-than-life characters. Written as an opera by Henry Purcell, in the Baroque period, Dido and Aeneas, even after 300-odd years, remains one of the most-performed English operas.Yet, for anyone unlettered in Western music and operas, the title ‘Dido and Aeneas’ could conjure images of togas, tie-up sandals and impenetrable Latin verses set to song. Nothing could be further from the version of Dido and Aeneas that recently held a packed audience in thrall at the Bangalore International Centre (BIC). This production by the Legato School of Music (in collaboration with The Swedish Arts Council and others) sported a resplendent Indian aesthetic that included Kanjeevaram silks, ornate lehengas, pastel kurtas, and even Heer-Ranjha-esque costume touches such as bridal dupattas and block-printed overcoats. Featuring internationally accomplished musicians, two choirs – Capella Bangalore and The Bangalore Men – dancers from The Lewis Foundation of Classical Ballet and an orchestra (complete with violin, viola, cello, bass, keyboard and percussion), the production bridged vast cultural and historical distances through masterful performances. Confluence of styles
The production bridged vast cultural and historical distances through masterful performances.
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
This is not to say that the opera did not take tuning in – beginning as it does in the middle of many stories and revealing plot and form, simultaneously. Yet, the converging of many artistic genres and elements such as ballet, orchestral and vocal music, epic poetry and visual art to name some, facilitated ease in getting on board. The audience was made privy to conversations between handmaiden Belinda (essayed by Tanisha Herbert Rozario whose soprano voice struck awe) and the queen Dido, played by Swedish vocal coach Maria Forsstrom, whose mezzo-soprano voice anchored the opera. (Maria Forsstrom also played a key role in the training and rehearsal processes). The audience witnessed the trysts and turns of fate – expressed through spectacularly delivered music by the two choirs and the orchestra. Aeneas, the Trojan warrior fleeing a lost battle, was engagingly played by Rahul Bharadwaj. The evil unleashed by the sorceress crackled and sparkled through the stage persona (and clear, soprano voice) of Sangita Santosham, who was effectively supported by Rebekah Alexander and Ketki Herlekar playing the witches. Jonas Olsson, Director of Capella Bangalore and The Bangalore Men, describes the opera, in general, as “a feast for the eyes, ears and soul,” as it blends “solo singing, choir, acting, costumes and instrumental music”. He believes the Baroque opera has remained relevant “because of the quality of the music and the human desire for timeless beauty”. Specifically of Dido and Aeneas he says, “It’s an opera close to my heart. I performed in it the first time 25 years ago in Sweden, and was keen to bring it to Bengaluru. The format is perfect – many choir pieces, a smaller chamber orchestra and solo parts that aren’t overly challenging. It is also amazing music for the audience to enjoy”
Dido and Aeneas staged at BIC featured internationally accomplished musicians, two choirs – Capella Bangalore and The Bangalore Men – dancers from The Lewis Foundation of Classical Ballet, and an orchestra (complete with violin, viola, cello, bass, keyboard and percussion).
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
“The Baroque opera’s emphasis on storytelling, expressive arias and emotional intensity has ensured its lasting influence on classical and modern music,” says Abishek Gnanaraj, founder and director, Legato School of Music. “Widely celebrated for its beautiful arias, dramatic intensity and relatively short duration,” Dido and Aeneas makes for “an ideal introduction to the Baroque opera both for audiences and performers, while its themes of love, betrayal, and destiny resonate across cultures,” he adds. A long rehearsal process began in June last year with musicians, choirs, soloists and dancers working separately, till a couple of weeks ahead of the concert. Though “introducing opera to an unfamiliar audience posed challenges”, international and local artistes combined forces with the intent to deliver “a rendition of Dido and Aeneas that would be emotionally compelling and musically precise,” says Abishek. Conducted by Sofia Winiarski, Dido and Aeneas on the stage of BIC was marked by much cross-cultural collaboration. Published – February 10, 2025 02:36 pm IST
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