The Berkshire Bach Society presents a concert performance of Henry Purcell’s DIDO AND AENEAS with professional soloists, chorus, and orchestra, under the direction of choral conductor JAMES BAGWELL at the First Congregational Church in Great Barrington on April 5, at 4pm. Purcell wrote the work in the 1680’s at the apex of the English Baroque at about the same time that Bach and Handel were born. It is based on Book IV of Virgil’s AENEID that recounts the classic story of love and abandonment of Dido, Queen of Carthage, by Aeneas, hero of Troy, as he pursues his destiny. Purcell created a work of surpassing beauty that still resonates with audiences today. The opera contains some of his most memorable music, including Dido’s famous lament, “When I am laid in Earth,” that has been used to express grief and loss in public commemorations, dramatic works, and film for over 300 years. Join Berkshire Bach for DIDO AND AENEAS by the man who has been called the most important English composer before the 20th century if not of all time.