Purcell's "Dido & Aeneas" & Haydn's "La Canterina", presented by Ottawa Pocket Opera/Opéra de poche d'Ottawa

Purcell's Dido & Aeneas is based on Book IV of Virgil's Aeneid, and is remembered as one of Purcell's foremost theatrical works. It was also Purcell's first opera, as well as his only all-sung dramatic work. Dido & Aeneas tells the tale of the legendary Queen of Carthage, Dido, and the Trojan refugee prince, Aeneas. When Aeneas and his crew become shipwrecked in Carthage, he and the Queen fall in love. In the meantime, witches plot Dido's destruction. The Sorceress conjures a spirit to impersonate Mercury, who then tells Aeneas he must leave Dido and found the new Troy (Rome). Forced to choose between passion and duty, Aeneas and his sailors prepare to leave, much to the witches' delight. Dido, who cannot live without him, is absolutely heartbroken and awaits death.

Haydn's La Canterina (The Songstress or The Diva), is a short, two act opera buffa (comic opera) by Joseph Haydn, the first one he wrote for Prince Esterhazy. Gasparina, the songstress, and her older sister, Apollonia, live in an apartment provided for them by Gasparina's singing teacher, benefactor, and would be-suitor, Don Pelagio. Gasparina also has another would -be suitor, Don Ettore, the young son of a wealthy family living nearby. Gasparina has been juggling & manipulating the two men to her advantage, but then the two suitors accidentally find out about each other - tempers flare, but in the end Gasparina manages to find a way to continue to take advantage of her situation, the men lavish her with money and diamonds, and though they ultimately recognize Gasparina's greed, they nonetheless willingly hand over their riches.

FAQs

Are there ID requirements or an age limit to enter the event?

The event is open to all ages, though the dramtic nature of "Dido & Aeneas" is not entirely suitable for young children.

What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?

Parking is available on-street in the neighborhood, within reasonable walking distance of the church hall. We are in the process of trying to arrange for permisiion to use the parking lot at a neighboring church, and the nearby Metro supermarket on Beechwood - please check check back here, on check the ticket page of our website at www.ottawapocketopera.ca for additonal information, closer to the performance dates.

Where can I contact the organizer with any questions?

Contact information is found on our website at www.ottawapocketopera.ca

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

Yes.

The name on the registration/ticket doesn't match the attendee. Is that okay?

We would like to reserve the right to verify that the ticket holder is the person named on the ticket,or to be able to otherwise confirm that the ticket was legitimately purchased, in order to prevent fraud.