What an evening of Baroque splendour! Chapel was transformed into a Mediterranean scene, with olive and cypress 
trees creating a soft and beautiful background for the performers – thanks to Mr and Mrs Self for the marvellous foliage.
The collaboration with world class Baroque specialists and St Margaret’s Preparatory School ensured that the iconic opera had style, energy and musical passion.
Christian Curnyn is in huge demand all over the world as a Baroque conductor and he is currently conducting the much acclaimed Medea at ENO.
Despite a hectic schedule, he worked with St Mary’s and St Margaret’s Chamber Choirs and created beautiful music from his vantage point at the Zuckermann harpsichord.
The singers were also inspired by the world class contralto, Hilary Summers, the definitive Sorceress of our time.
Much fun was had – especially by the Witches! Ella created a noble and wounded Queen Dido, Ellys an endearing Aeneas and Clemmie relished her Sorceress power!
Kate charmed as Belinda, Rosie playedher Spirit with beauty and the Four Witches of Isabella, Rosie, Francesca and Eliza cackled and sang with vigour! Emilia and Zoe also created their roles of 2nd Woman and Sailor with poise and character.
Mrs Dudley Fryar, Director of Vocal Studies, hopes to encourage further professional collaborations in the future, proving that opera has a place at St Mary’s! It was wonderful to share world-class expertise with the school’s vocal talent.