A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Priest, Josias

PRIEST, Josias, a dancing-master connected with the theatres in the last quarter of the 17th century, who also kept a boarding-school for gentlewomen in Leicester Fields, which he removed in 1680 to Chelsea. Priest's claim to notice is his having engaged Henry Purcell to compose his first opera, 'Dido and Æneas,' for performance at his school. He invented the dances for Purcell's operas, 'The Prophetess,' King Arthur,' and 'The Fairy Queen,' and other pieces.

[ W. H. H. ]