Summer Festival 2023

DIDO AND AENEAS

The main event of this year´s festival will be Den Ny Opera’s very own take of one of the opera world’s super hits: Dido and Aeneas by Henry Purcell.  The opera’s main story evolves around the fateful encounter between Queen Dido and the hero Aeneas. They are both mighty and powerful, but as humans they are also vulnerable and therefore easy targets for the will of the gods. And even though the highlight of the opera undoubtedly is the divine aria “Dido’s lament”, there is much more to come for. Don’t miss the British award-winning shooting star Mary Bevan as Dido, brilliant singers and Bjarte Eike’s fabulous Barokksolistene – all on stage collectively securing the drama, humour and beauty of the play.

HALLING DANCE AND #METOO

After the three shows of Dido and Aeneas, a week of kaleidoscopic musical entertainment follows. In their bold and light-hearted Stand up’era the soprano Lisbeth Kjærulf and the baritone Lars Møller will give #metoo and other controversial topics of the day an operatic treatment. Gender issues also play a role in the captivating contemporary dance performance Livmødre or Mothers of Nature. The inventive choreographer and dancer Silje Onstad Hålien and her company Mamelukk turn a traditional Norwegian male dance – a Halling – into a modern story about the female body.

DANISH WORLD CLASS ENSEMBLES

We are incredibly proud to present two of Denmark’s most prominent and successful ensembles: The Danish String Quartet who is renowned for impeccable musicianship, sophisticated artistry, and an unmatched ability to play as one, and the folk trio Dreamers’ Cirkus whose music is decidedly modern as well as rhythmically and melodically captivating.

OLDIES BUT GOODIES – FOOD AND SONG

Come join our musical dinner when we transform the Music Hall into an Italian taverna in Bella Notte. And don’t miss our famous lunch event filled with Nordic drinking songs, Sild snaps og skønsang / Fish, shots and singalongs. Every morning at 10 there will even be a free chance to sing along with us in the Music Hall.

CHILDREN’S OPERA AND CHURCH CONCERTS

Children aged 3-6 are invited to join Prince Tamino on his adventurous quest to find Princess Pamina in our interactive performance of The Magic Flute. The Trinity Church in Esbjerg will host two concerts dedicated to Henry Purcell featuring young and upcoming Danish singers in the programs Echoing Purcell no. 1 and 2.

JAM SESSION – THE BAR IS OPEN

With Bjarte Eike in the house we can’t miss the opportunity to present a version full of surprises of his addictive The Alehouse Sessions which will wrap up this year’s festival with British and Scandinavian folk-baroque hits. Cheers!