The Royal Opera House: The Magic Flute (Die Zauberflöte)

Synopsis

Mozart's glorious opera The Magic Fluteis brought enchantingly to life in DavidMcVicar's production with beautiful setsby John Macfarlane.Prince Tamino promises the Queen of theNight that he will rescue her daughter Paminafrom the enchanter Sarastro.

He begins hisquest, accompanied by the bird-catcherPapageno - but all is not as it seems?David McVicar's classic productionembraces both the seriousness and comedyof Mozart's work.

The audience is transportedto a fantastical world of dancing animals,flying machines and dazzlingly starry skies.The setting provides a wonderful backdropfor Mozart's kaleidoscopic score, from theQueen of the Night's coloratura fireworks toTamino and Pamina's lyrical love duets andPapageno's hearty, folksong-like arias.As well as being a comedy The MagicFlute is an expression of Mozart's profoundspiritual beliefs: Enlightenment concerns withthe search for wisdom and virtue are at theheart of this enchanting tale.

The Magic Flutewas an instant success with audiences andMozart's supposed rival Salieri described itas an 'operone' - a great opera.