Mozart's Die Zauberflöte is a great introduction into the world of opera for the uninitiated. The protagonist, Prince Tamino, is given a magic flute to help with rescuing Pamina, the daughter of the Queen of Night, from the clutches of high priest Sarastro. Along the way he is helped by his companion Papageno, who has a set of magical bells. Through a series of trials, tribulations and twists of fate, the duo reaches their goal, although not without failure.
The opera is also known for its rather difficult-to-reach pitches, with the Queen of Night’s role being particularly famous for its difficulty. It takes a lot of skill to hit all the notes – you’ll certainly see some of the best in the industry here, under the auspices of director William Kentridge and conductor Roland Böer.
Performances with English surtitles available
Photo: La Flûte enchantée (Die Zauberflöte) by W. A. Mozart, Elisabeth Carecchio - Festival d'Aix-en-Provence 2009