Author: Olya Al-Ahmed
Sofia Opera presents its second premiere for the year "Die Zauberflöte" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, libretto by Emanuel Schikaneder. Six premiere performances follow on 14,15,16,17, 29 and 30 March. This is a work that continues to enchant artists and audiences alike. The characters in it are "transported" by the world of fairy tales. The Queen of the Night summons Prince Tamino and his companion, Papageno, to rescue her daughter, Pamina, from the grasp of the treacherous Sarastro and his evil servant, Monostatos. As a token of goodwill, the Prince receives a magic flute that will protect him. Arriving at Sarastro's palace, Tamino hears reports of what has happened, which present Sarastro as Pamina's protector. The Prince must decide whom to believe – Sarastro or the Queen of the Night – and go through three challenges to win Pamina's hand.
According to Schikaneder, for good to triumph over evil, the characters of good must be able to leap into the unknown, guided by faith.
"Die Zauberflöte" was published before "La clemenza di Tito". It debuted at the short-lived Theater auf der Wieden in Vienna. On 30 September 1791 it premiered with Schikaneder as Papageno, Mozart himself the conductor.
"Die Zauberflöte" was Mozart's favourite opera, but it certainly proved to be his most popular work. "Die Zauberflöte" was first performed in Sofia in 1931 under the baton of German maestro Hermann Stange and the direction of Hristo Popov.
International soloist ensemble.
Director – Vera Petrova
Conductor – Svetoslav Borisov
Conductor – Alexandra Lubchansky
Scenography - Molly O'Cathain
Costume Designer – Marta Mironska
Artistic Lighting – Simon Bennison
Chorus Conductor – Violeta Dimitrova
03 Mar 2024www.focus-news.net / Olya Al-Ahmed