Early Music Missouri makes its first foray into Baroque opera with a concert performance of Henry Purcell’s Dido & Aeneas. The cast includes soprano Arianna Aerie as Dido, baritone Kevin Duco Warner as Aeneas and countertenor Keith Wehmeier as the Sorceress. Soloists from Early Music Missouri’s Vocal Ensemble will sing the other solo roles and choruses while Early Music Missouri’s Chamber Orchestra will be led by Baroque violinist Daniel Lee.
Purcell created the opera Dido & Aeneas in the 1680s. Purcell’s most famous work draws on Italian opera, French court theatre music, English choral traditions and the model of his contemporary, composer John Blow. While not the first English opera, Dido & Aeneas has attained iconic status thanks to its colorful choruses, evocative solo arias, rousing dances and emotional closing lament.
These concert performances will take place on May 1, 2026 at 7:30 PM and on May 2, 2026 at 3:00 PM at Second Presbyterian Church, 4501 Westminster Place in St. Louis’s Central West End. Free off-street and street parking is available immediately adjacent to the church. Admission to the concert is $30 (cash, card, or check) at the door with special discounts for students.
Early Music Missouri is the region’s foremost promoter and presenter of Early Music concerts. Its performances feature Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque repertoire performed on period instruments by expert performers from the region and nation.
