LNM @ the Proms!
We are delighted to have made our BBC Proms debut this summer, performing Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, as a late night Prom on Tuesday 19 July.
The iconic opera of love and betrayal was conducted by our Artistic Director, David Bates, prior to recording the work for Pentatone in November.
Purcell’s opera tells the tale of a formidable Queen of Carthage, Dido (Alice Coote) who, despite her initial reservations, is persuaded by her handmaid, Belinda (Gemma Summerfield) and second lady (Nardus Williams) to let her guard down and fall in love with a Trojan Prince called Aeneas (James Newby).
Spying the Queen’s vulnerability, an evil sorceress (Madeleine Shaw), hatches a plan to separate the lovers, conjuring up a storm and sending a spirit (Tim Mead) to trick Aeneas into leaving. The sailor (Nicky Spence) sings as the warrior’s fleet prepares to depart. Heartbroken, Dido confronts her lover, and forces him out of Carthage. The sense of betrayal and loss is too much for the once strong queen and she sings her last aria, the iconic ‘When I am laid in Earth’ before setting herself alight.
La Nuova Musica’s Artistic Director, David Bates says,
‘La Nuova Musica is well known for bringing a fresh and innovative approach to classic works. In this concert performance, the audience is invited to plumb the depths of the evil sorceress's lair to explore the intense hatred that she carries for Queen Dido. Why is she so hell bent on destroying Dido’s happiness? The two characters are fascinating, complex and powerful individuals and their differences can be felt viscerally in the music.’
This production presented the sourceress as a vengeful human who is all the more terrifying for her relatability. The role was played by mezzo-soprano Madeleine Shaw, who was chosen for her incredible skill as an actress and storyteller, Madeleine made the audience complicit in the sorceress’ evil plot.
Speaking about the character of the evil sorceress,
mezzo-soprano Madeleine Shaw says,
‘What a character the Sorceress is. Plotting the destruction of a nation and its Queen with the lush forces David congregates….and in the Proms.’
The role of Queen Dido is played by mezzo-soprano Alice Coote. Through Alice’s unique ability to develop a character on stage, we see Dido as a woman who is both powerful yet fragile.
Speaking about the role of Dido, mezzo-soprano Alice Coote says,
‘The role of Purcell’s Dido contains some of the most transcendent, beautiful and profoundly human of all music for the human voice. I was thrilled and honoured to make my debut with extraordinary La Nuova Musica in this compact but exquisite opera.’
All the vocalists were accompanied by a variety of continuo orchestration. In Dido’s case, this included an unusual combination of four theorbos, two harps, a viola da gamba and bass violin and double bass. The effect is a rich and regal sound that strengthens her aural identity.
Dido and Aeneas is a short work, only 55 minutes in length, making it an ideal introduction to the fantasy world of Purcell for newcomers.
Speaking about the role of Aeneas, baritone James Newby says,
The challenge for me was trying to create this very famous character in such a short amount of time, but I think that's what makes it such a brilliant piece - Purcell packs in so much variety and drama and different shades that there's no note wasted through the whole piece.
The performance took place at the Royal Albert Hall on Tuesday 19 July 2022 at 10.15pm and was broadcast live on BBC Radio 3.