There’s magic and music filling the atmosphere, but it’s not a magic carpet ride – it’s Amadeus Mozart’s The Magic Flute (Die Zauberflote).
This beautifully performed German opera is the story of Tamino (Eric Cutler) who is sent by the Queen of the Night (Albina Shagimuratova) to free Princess Pamina (Rebekah Camm) who is being held captive by Sarastro (Raymond Aceto), the wise priest of Isis and Osiris.
Before his journey begins, Tamino is attacked by a serpent, which is killed by three ladies (Tamara Wilson, Maria Markina, and Jamie Barton) who are attendants of the queen. Then he meets a man clothed in green feathers whose name is Papageno (Patrick Carfizzi). He says he is a birdcatcher and he is looking for a wife. Together they endure many trials on their quest for love.
The Magic Flute was my first opera experience, and I was very impressed. I first thought that it was going to be similar to a musical, with the exception of a symphony, but it rises above the typical musical because it is far more sophisticated and entertaining. The opera is music at its finest. All the vocals blended harmoniously with the symphony.
Aside from the music being wonderful, the backdrops and the costumes add to the experience. The backgrounds especially were amazing and full of color. When the Queen of the Night made her first appearance on stage, the black background was filled with multicolored stars. Even the silver shimmer on her black dress contributed to her dazzling appearance.
Whether you frequent the opera or you’ve never been, this is the one to see.
Mozart’s The Magic Flute runs through Feb. 9. For more information call 713-546-0200 or visit www.houstongrandopera.org.
