13-28 Feb 2005. Berlin's Staatsoper (state opera house), surrounded by stunning and important historical sites like Humboldt University and the cathedral, is dedicating two weeks in the middle of February to baroque opera. The centrepiece of this year's event is formed by two spectacular 17th-century operas; Il ritorno d'ulisse in patria by Claudio Monteverdi, the father of opera, was first performed in Venice in 1640, and Henry Purcell's Dido and Aeneas, itself first staged in 1689. Alongside these two major productions, there are further operatic delights in the form of concerts, discussions and workshops. Talents involves young music students performing 17th-century instrumental pieces and taking part in workshops about vocal education and instruments.