Internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano and Grammy Award-winner Joyce DiDonato stars as Dido in this recording captured at Essen Philharmonie, part of a European tour that included prestigious venues such as the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées and Teatro Real de Madrid.

The whole Dido & Aeneas team is a terrific ensemble featuring baritenor Michael Spyres (Aeneas), soprano Fatma Said (Belinda), Beth Taylor (Sorceress),... and Il Pomo d’Oro, under the baton of Maxim Emelyanychev.

DiDonato and Spyres reunite as Dido and Aeneas in Purcell’s work, following their acclaimed interpretations of the same characters in Erato’s recording of Les Troyens by Berlioz (2017).

The Financial Times headed a “A five-star performance from Joyce DiDonato”,  and  noted that Il Pomo d’Oro showcased the “brilliant variety of mood, rhythm, colour and melody” in Purcell’s score, and singled out “mezzo-soprano Beth Taylor as the Sorceress, with a cavernous chest register and wicked relish for malice; and countertenor Hugh Cutting, luminous and incisive as the Spirit who fatally sends Aeneas from Carthage.”

“DiDonato was, as one might expect, magnificent in a role that suits her down to the ground, probing Dido’s desire and anguish with singing of characteristically understated subtlety.” – The Guardian *****.

“Maxim Emelyanychev demonstrated again what galvanising energy he has, and what imagination he possesses. Quite simply, I have never heard Purcell – any Purcell – delivered with more wit and character, panache and polish.” – The Times

Cast:
- Dido: Joyce DiDonato (mezzo-soprano)
- Belinda: Fatma Said (soprano)
- Aeneas: Michael Spyres (baritenor)
- Spirit: Hugh Cutting (countertenor)
- Sorceress: Beth Taylor (mezzo-soprano)
- Sailor: Laurence Kilsby (tenor)
- Second Woman: Carlotta Colombo (soprano)
- First Witch: Alena Dantcheva (soprano)
- Second Witch: Anna Piroli (soprano)