LOLA & Panoramic Voices Present Encore Performance of Purcell's Dido and Aeneas

AUSTIN, Texas - Sept. 24, 2020 - PRLog -- Love, sorcery, and tragic opera—what better way to spend a Saturday night? LOLA (Local Opera Local Artists) and Panoramic Voices (both Austin Critics Table Award Winners) present an encore performance of Henry Purcell's stunningly beautiful late 17^th century baroque masterpiece, Dido and Aeneas. The encore will take place on Saturday, October 3, 2020 at 7:00 pm on the Panoramic Voices' YouTube channel.

Liz Cass (Executive Producer of LOLA) will provide opening remarks for the encore presentation and then lead a panel discussion during intermission and after the event. The panel features the creative team behind the show: musical director Brent Baldwin (Artistic Director of Panoramic Voices), stage director Rebecca Herman (Artistic Producer of LOLA), and choreographer Erica Gionfriddo (co-founder of ARCOS Dance).

In this timeless tale, Dido is caught between her duty to marry the Trojan Prince Aeneas, thus solidifying the political power of Carthage, and the desires of her heart. Her dilemma is further complicated by an opposing and powerful sorceress. Originally performed Valentine's Day weekend 2020 in the stunning sanctuary of the mid-century modern St. Martin's Church at 606 West 15th Street in Austin, TX, the production fused brilliant operatic talent, a professional chamber orchestra and a breathtaking symphonic chorus.

The cast included Ivy Cantu, making her LOLA and Panoramic Voices debut, as Queen Dido, and the renowned, powerful baritone David Small in the role of Aeneas. Two sopranos made their debuts: Jihee Han made her LOLA and Panoramic Voices debut as Belinda, Dido's confidant, and Natalie Howard made her LOLA debut as the Sorceress with a vendetta. Rounding out the cast were mezzo Julie Silva as Second Woman, soprano Mary Kettlewell as First Witch, mezzo Jessica Blau as Second Witch, tenor Jeffrey Jones Ragona as The Sailor, and countertenor Holt Skinner as The Spirit.

Donations: In lieu of tickets, Panoramic Voices and LOLA request that attendees consider making a donation which will benefit Panoramic Voices, LOLA and the SIMS Foundation. SIMS provides mental health and substance use recovery services for musicians, music industry professionals, and their families to support the well-being of the Austin community.