Victoria Conservatory of Music Announces Dido and Aeneas for OperaFest 2026
The Victoria Conservatory of Music announced that Henry Purcell’s baroque opera Dido and Aeneas will be the culminating production of OperaFest 2026. The fully staged work will feature a chamber orchestra, choir and emerging conservatory artists.
Performances are set for August 15, 2026 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. in the Alix Goolden Performance Hall, 900 Johnson Street, Victoria, Canada. OperaFest artistic director Colin Doroschuk said, “Purcell’s Dido & Aeneas is the operatic jewel of the Baroque period. Pure genius!”
Featured singers include Grand Opera Aria Competition winner Courtney Noble sharing the role of Dido with Marlo Karakas, and Lauren Abhirosh sharing Belinda with Laelia Greenaway. Judy Roberts will appear as the Sorceress. The orchestra includes pianist and harpsichordist Robert Holliston, cellist Brian Yoon and other professional musicians. The production is directed by Jacqueline Sloan and conducted by Sahara Sloan. Attendance is by donation, with a suggested contribution of $20.
Entities
Colin Doroschuk · Henry Purcell · Jacqueline Sloan · OperaFest 2026 · Victoria Conservatory of Music
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 4 SOURCES] Lauren Abhirosh will share the role of Belinda with Laelia Greenaway. goldstreamgazette.com · oakbaynews.com · peninsulanewsreview.com · saanichnews.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] The event is by donation with a suggested contribution of $20. goldstreamgazette.com · oakbaynews.com · peninsulanewsreview.com · saanichnews.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Performances are scheduled for August 15, 2026 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. at Alix Goolden Performance Hall, 900 Johnson Street, Victoria. goldstreamgazette.com · oakbaynews.com · peninsulanewsreview.com · saanichnews.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Judy Roberts will perform as the Sorceress. goldstreamgazette.com · oakbaynews.com · peninsulanewsreview.com · saanichnews.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Victoria Conservatory of Music announced that Henry Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas will be the culminating production of OperaFest 2026. goldstreamgazette.com · oakbaynews.com · peninsulanewsreview.com · saanichnews.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] The opera will be directed by Jacqueline Sloan and conducted by Sahara Sloan. goldstreamgazette.com · oakbaynews.com · peninsulanewsreview.com · saanichnews.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Courtney Noble, winner of the Grand Opera Aria Competition, will share the role of Dido with Marlo Karakas. goldstreamgazette.com · oakbaynews.com · peninsulanewsreview.com · saanichnews.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Colin Doroschuk is the artistic director of OperaFest and said, “Purcell’s Dido & Aeneas is the operatic jewel of the Baroque period. Pure genius!”. goldstreamgazette.com · oakbaynews.com · peninsulanewsreview.com · saanichnews.com