The more we learn about this first opera written in the English language, the more it becomes apparent that what has been seen over the centuries are layers of additions, omissions and elaborations.

Composed by Henry Purcell in the 1680s, the date of its completion and debut are unknown, the location uncertain. Probably written for the court, no original score survives, only one that appeared a century later with likely modifications. The only known performance during Purcell’s lifetime was at a boarding school for girls in Chelsea.

All this leaves enormous potential for rebuilding this masterpiece, which is what Pinchgut Opera’s Musical Director Erin Helyard and Director Lucy Clements have taken on, with Clements making a double debut with the Pinchgut company and in opera.

The three acts proceed continuously, with Helyard at the harpsichord directing the eight voices of Cantillation Chorus and the 14- strong Orchestra of the Antipodes on period instruments led by Matthew Greco.

Valda Wilson as Dido in Pinchgut’s Dido & Aeneas. Photo © Cassandra Hannagan

A much-anticipated prologue has been commissioned from actress and writer Kate Mulvany replacing the original that is lost. Also missing are several...