Purcell’s Dido & Aeneas: The Beginning of Opera in Britain (Concert)
Location:
Chelsea Old Church
Date & time:
Thursday 1 Oct 2026, 6.30pm
Price:
£15.00 to £25.00 (plus £2 booking fee per transaction)
A historically informed performance of one of the first British operas near the site of its premiere in Chelsea in 1688.
About the event
Henry Purcell’s celebrated opera Dido and Aeneas was his only stage work that can be truly called an opera, and the first known performance was given at Josiah Priest’s girls’ school in Chelsea, a short distance from present-day Chelsea Old Church.
Using the superb voices of their professional choir alongside top soloists and established Baroque period-instrument ensemble, The Old Church Players, we will bring alive the spirit of that first performance in the historic setting of Chelsea Old Church with a concert version of what is regarded as the great theatrical masterpiece by the foremost English composer of the Baroque period.
Chelsea Old Church, Old Church Street, London SW3 5DQ
Festival planning
Getting between Chelsea History Festival venues: This event takes place at Chelsea Old Church. Many Chelsea History Festival venues are within walking distance of one another, but journey times vary. If you are booking events close together, please allow enough time to travel comfortably between venues.
Estimated walking times from this venue: 10 minutes to Chelsea Physic Garden, 10 minutes to Chelsea Theatre, 14 minutes to National Army Museum, 16 minutes to Royal Hospital Chelsea, 17 minutes to Garrison Chapel, 18 minutes to Royal Court Theatre and 20 minutes to Cadogan Hall.
Additional information
This event is eligible for our 20% ticket bundle discount.
Book tickets to three or more different events across the festival and you can save 20%. Tickets must be purchased in the same transaction and the discount will automatically be applied within the basket.