The Big ToDo: CSU presents Purcell's 'Dido and Aeneas' Nov. 13-15
This month, the vocal department at Columbus State University will present a production of Henry Purcell's famous Baroque opera and mythic drama "Dido and Aeneas." The 23-member cast is comprised entirely of students. Purcell's opera tells the love story of Dido, queen of Carthage, and Aeneas, a warrior of Troy.
Because of the vocal style of the Baroque period, this opera is accessible to young singers. Although highly technical in style when done correctly, the vocal demands within the music are not strenuous. This allows young singers to perform lead roles without risking their vocal health, and simultaneously getting a bonafide operatic experience under their belt.
Joseph Golden, a CSU professor and the artistic and musical director for the show, said he aims to make the production as true to Baroque style as possible, and that the stage director, Kimberly Cone, also a CSU professor, "worked tirelessly over the summer in researching the traditions of mythic drama that are inherent in 'Dido and Aeneas.'"
"The cast has learned a wealth of information from her about the period," Golden said of Cone, "and they are responding quickly and quietly to her guidance. The set and costumes have all been planned with great care to create and maintain a 'period' look of the ancient world."
The cast is comprised of both performance and music education majors, which is rare at the university setting. Many larger schools only cast performance majors for lead roles in their productions, but the small size of Schwob School of Music allows for everyone to be eligible for leads without sacrificing any talent. For example, Aleshia Samuel, who plays the lead of Dido, is a music education major. A student of Earl Coleman, she is a fifth year senior. It is her first major role. Her counterpart, Jake Wood, who plays Aeneas. is a senior and a student of Michelle DeBruyn.
"This is a very strong cast," Golden said. "The cast and chorus share a fine esprit de corps and a tremendous work ethic. This is the first time that we have done a Baroque opera, and there are many performance practice details to be mastered. The cast has had to tackle trills, mordents, the coule de tierce, and the ever-challenging singing style of the Recitativo Secco. They have embraced all of these specialized techniques with grace and aplomb. We all look forward to our next rehearsal every time."
"Dido and Aeneas" is the type of opera that pushes an audience's expectations. CSU's production will be accompanied by harpsichord and a string quartet. "Dido's Lament" in which Dido emotes after being abandoned by Aeneas, is a famous moment in opera, and a rite of passage in the soprano repertoire.
It is rare to see an opera like "Dido and Aeneas" performed in an intimate setting like the RiverCenter's Studio Theater. Take note of the presence of a dramatic opera chorus, whose role is to provide commentary on what is happening dramatically. Also, be sure to purchase your tickets early as seating is limited and the show will likely sell out.
IF YOU GO
What: 'Dido and Aeneas'
When: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 13-14 and 4 p.m. Nov. 15
Where: Studio Theater, RiverCenter for the Performing Arts
Cost: $20
Call: 706-649-7225 or music.columbusstate.edu
MORE TO KNOW
Who's Who?
Artistic Director and Musical Director: Joseph Golden
Chorus Master: Constantina Tsolainou
Stage Director: Kimberly Cone
Dido: Aleshia Samuel (Featured in this month's Student Spotlight)
Aeneas: Jake Wood
What's it about?
Purcell's opera tells the story of the love affair between Dido, Queen of Carthage, and Aeneas, a warrior of Troy. It is based on Virgil's "Aeneid," a poem that tells the story of Aeneas' travels to Carthage and Italy.
How can I get tickets?
Tickets are available at the RiverCenter Box Office for $20. Purchase in advance, as it is in the RiverCenter's small venue, Studio Theater, and is expected to sell out.
This story was originally published October 29, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "The Big ToDo: CSU presents Purcell's 'Dido and Aeneas' Nov. 13-15 ."