John Blow’s Baroque opera of love, passion, and loss
On June 17, 18, and 19, 2022, Cambridge Chamber Ensemble (CCE) presentsVenus & Adonis, John Blow’s charming Baroque masque of love, passion, and loss amidst the Olympian Gods. Composed in 1683, Venus & Adonis is believed to be the earliest surviving English opera, written originally as court amusement for King Charles. It is a fascinating window into the period and a musical gem that sparkles anew for us today. Cupid shoots his mother, the Goddess Venus, with his arrow, whereupon she falls in love with the beautiful mortal youth Adonis. On the advice of Cupid to treat Adonis “very ill” in order to keep him interested, Venus encourages Adonis to leave and go hunting. Adonis goes reluctantly, for he would rather stay with Venus in love’s bower. Alas, Adonis is fatally gored by a wild boar, and Venus and Cupid, immortals, must live forever with their grief.
A 10-piece Baroque chamber orchestra accompanies the 14-member ensemble of singers and dancers.
General admission $45, $50 at the door; students & seniors $35, $40 at the door; children under 12 free. Supratitles.
Handicapped-accessible. All attendees must be masked and present proof of COVID vaccination.
Phone: 6175101920
Email: cambchame@gmail.com
Additional time info:
Venue is accessible.
2022/06/17 - 2022/06/19
Cambridge Multicultural Arts Center
41 Second St., Cambridge, MA 02141