April 27: UND Music presents “Dido and Aeneas”

The UND Department of Music proudly presents “Dido and Aeneas,” an opera by Baroque composer, Henry Purcell, on Friday, April 27, at 8 p.m. at the historic Masonic Temple Auditorium in downtown Grand Forks.

Alejandro Drago, Director of Orchestral Studies at UND and Artistic Director of the Grand Forks Symphony Orchestra, will lead the UND Chamber Orchestra and cast. Premiered in 1689, this opera tells the ill-fated romance of Dido, Queen of Carthage, and Aeneas, the Prince of Troy. Its libretto, created by Nahum Tate, is loosely based upon Book IV of Virgil’s epic Greek poem, “The Aeneid.”

“Our last opera production was ‘Cendrillon’ at the Empire. It was so well received we knew our community would welcome more. The UND Department of Music always serves the Grand Cities area with hundreds of student and faculty performances every year but this is something truly unique,” said Anne Christopherson, producer and director. “The study and application of the arts reflect UND’s core values of the liberal arts, community, discovery, diversity, inclusivity, and lifelong learning. Through the process of rehearsal and performance students practice and implement these values even after they leave UND.”

About the venue: The current Masonic Temple was built in 1913 by Joseph Bell DeRemer, the second incarnation after a fire destroyed the original. It was added to National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

WHAT: “Dido and Aeneas,” an opera by Baroque composer Henry Purcell

WHEN: Friday, April 27, 8 p.m.; doors open at 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: 423 Bruce Avenue, the historic Masonic Temple Auditorium

ADMISSION: Tickets may be purchased at the door. Adults, $15; seniors and students, $5; free with military ID.

PARKING is available on streets around the Masonic Temple Auditorium and the Grand Forks County parking ramp.