Opera Caledonia Performance Project: Dido & Aeneas • 7th July - 12th July 2026

An exciting opportunity for a cast of singers performing at conservatoire level or beyond to rehearse and perform Purcell’s Baroque masterpiece “Dido & Aeneas” in Edinburgh, Scotland under the guidance of Music Director Derek Clark (former Head of Music, Scottish Opera) and Director Iona Boyd (recent engagements include The Royal Opera House & Scottish Opera). Perform in the glorious surroundings of St. Giles’ Cathedral (founded in 1124) alongside strings from the Orchestra of Scottish Opera.

Singers can expect an intensive schedule of staging and music rehearsals, sitzprobes, cover rehearsals and dress rehearsals ahead of two public performances, all under the guidance of Music Director Derek Clark and Director Iona Boyd.

A public principal performance will take place on Sunday 12th July, 6.00pm at St. Giles’ Cathedral. This performance will be directed from the harpsichord by Derek Clark alongside strings from the Orchestra of Scottish Opera.

A public cover concert performance will take place on Saturday 11th July, 7.30pm at the Edinburgh Society of Musicians. This performance will be directed from the harpsichord by Derek Clark.

Purcell’s Baroque masterpiece “Dido & Aeneas” (sung in English) tells the tragic love story of Dido, Queen of Carthage, and Aeneas, the Trojan hero, who is destined to found Rome. Their romance is disrupted by the intervention of a sorceress and witches, who convince Aeneas to leave Carthage, leading to Dido’s despair and suicide.

Available Roles
Dido: soprano or mezzo-soprano
Belinda: light soprano
Second Woman: soprano
Aeneas: tenor or high baritone
Sorceress/Sorcerer: mezzo-soprano, contralto, countertenor, baritone or bass
First Witch: soprano
Second Witch: mezzo-soprano
Spirit (in form of Mercury): soprano or countertenor
First Sailor: tenor
Chorus: SATB

Singers are welcome to audition for principal roles, cover roles and/or chorus. Singers who are assigned the following principal roles will also be required to rehearse and perform in the chorus for the cover performance with no exceptions: First Witch, Second Witch, Spirit & Sailor. All singers who are assigned a cover role will primarily rehearse and perform in the chorus, in addition to participating in cover rehearsals and performing their cover role in the cover performance.

Singers must come with their role fully prepared with no exceptions. Should the Music Director deem a singer to be insufficiently prepared, they reserve the right to either assign the singer as a cover (rehearsing in the capacity of a cover and performing in the cover performance only) or remove them from the project completely. No refunds can be claimed in either instance.

Singers will be required to work from the Stainer & Bell edition of the Vocal Score (Ref: D114 / ISMN: 9790220227868) and are responsible for providing their own copy which can be purchased here.

The principal performance (and associated sitzprobe and dress rehearsal) will be performed with harpsichord and strings from the Orchestra of Scottish Opera. The cover performance (and associated sitzprobe and dress rehearsal) will be performed with harpsichord accompaniment only. Both public performances will be filmed and made available to singers free of charge.

The Edinburgh Society of Musicians is the perfect venue for exploring both the beautiful New Town and historic Old Town of Edinburgh, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Highlights within walking distance include Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street Gardens, The Scott Monument, The Royal Mile, St. Giles’ Cathedral and The Palace of Holyroodhouse amongst others. There will be time to explore the local area for those who wish to do so.

St Giles’ Cathedral, founded in 1124 by King David I, is located in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town on the Royal Mile. It is a significant architectural landmark and has played a crucial role in Scottish history. The Cathedral is renowned for its beautiful architecture, impressive gothic exterior and ornate interior. Celebrated for its excellent acoustics, participants will perform as part of the cathedral’s prestigious St. Giles’ at Six concert series.

Participants are responsible for their own accommodation. From hotels to hostels, airbnbs to guest houses; the city centre of Edinburgh has something for everyone. Meals are not provided. Limited kitchen facilities are available. There are many restaurants, cafes and bars within walking distance offering a range of cuisine including traditional Scottish fare. Complimentary tea & coffee is provided.

Throughout the project, optional social events will be organised in the evenings for participants to enjoy should they choose to do so.

Participants should arrive at the Edinburgh Society of Musicians ready to attend a Company Meeting at 9.30am on Tuesday 7th July. The project will end on Sunday 12th July at 7.00pm following the principal performance at St. Giles’ Cathedral.

The creative team is subject to alteration. A suitable replacement will be provided should an advertised member of the creative team become unavailable. Both venues are subject to alteration. Refunds cannot be claimed in the event of a change to the creative team or venue(s).

All rehearsals and the cover performance take will place at the Edinburgh Society of Musicians, a beautiful Victorian building in the heart of Edinburgh’s Georgian New Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Remarkably located in The Dean Village, a tranquil green oasis on the Water of Leith, the Edinburgh Society of Musicians is housed in an historic building of famed architect Sir George Washington Browne, built in 1891.

The Edinburgh Society of Musicians is a short walk from Waverley and Haymarket Stations, Edinburgh’s two central train stations situated in the city centre. There are fast and frequent tram and bus services linking Edinburgh Airport and the city centre.

The participation fee for all roles (including chorus) is £500.00. Participants are responsible for their own travel to and from Edinburgh. Participants are responsible for their own accommodation.

Opera Caledonia’s Performance Project is suitable for singers performing at conservatoire level or beyond and does not discriminate against artists based on race, nationality, sex, religion, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, disability and/or age.

Payment plans are available to spread the cost of the participation fee over several months. Please specify your interest in a payment plan on application. Fees must be paid in full in advance of the start of the project.

Application Deadline: 31st December 2025.

Places are strictly limited so early application is advised. Some roles may be assigned on a first come, first served basis at the discretion of Opera Caledonia. Depending on availability, late applications may be accepted at the discretion of Opera Caledonia.

Participants of the Performance Project: Dido & Aeneas are also welcome to apply/participate in Opera Caledonia’s Vocal Studio Course running from 29th June – 5th July 2026. Full details can be found via: operacaledonia.co.uk/vocal-studio-course-2026/.

Full details and application are available at www.operacaledonia.co.uk.