GC Music and Theater Departments present Dido and Aeneas (Purcell 1688) and The Old Maid and the Thief (Menotti 1939).

Not only is Dido and Aeneas England's oldest opera, it is the only true opera that Henry Purcell composed. Dido and Aeneas is an adaptation of a portion of Virgil's Aeneid. The opera is thought to have been a celebration to mark the coronation of protestant monarchs William and Mary.

The Old Maid and the Thief, a one act opera by Italian- American composer Gian Carlo Menotti was written and premiered in 1939. It was one of the earliest operas composed specifically for performance on the radio. The Old Maid and the Thief is a twisted tale of morals. Menotti was inspired to write the story when he visited the family of Samuel Barber (his partner). He found that what seemed to be a quaint, cute town actually covered up a plethora of secrets about people and places.

Umble Center performances April 8, 9, 16 at 7:30 p.m., April 10, 17 at 3:00 p.m. Tickets: $10 general, $7 seniors, $5 students. Tickets sales begin March 7. Call the Welcome Center.