THE ROYAL OPERA
Music Director
Director of Opera
Generous philanthropic support from Julia and Hans Rausing
Position of Head of Music Richard Hetherington generously supported by Bertrand and Elisabeth Meunier
The edition of Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute) used in this performance is published by Bärenreiter Verlag, Kassel and supplied by Faber Music, London
The Magic Flute
Singspiel in Two Acts
19.12.2022 19:30
APPROXIMATE TIMINGS
GUIDANCE
CREDITS
CAST
Extra chorus
Mezzo-soprano Jeanette Ager
Tenor James Geer
Actors Michael Barnes, Aquira Bailey Browne, Richard Gittins, Michael Larcombe, Luke Murphy, Mette Nilson, Jordan Paris, Belinda Roy, Gabriella Schmidt, Bryony Tebbutt, Michael White, Addis Williams, Corina Wuersch
Children Lucy Barton, Alexander Chin, Sophia Cullingford, Esme Gupta-Wright, Isaiah King, Callum McGechie, Kyle McQueen, Emilia Ostroumoff, Junior Watson Ramsay, Egypt Watson Ramsay, Joshua Garcia-Sugarman, Semilore Tinubu
SYNOPSIS
Act I
Tamino is pursued by a monstrous serpent and falls unconscious. Three Ladies slay the monster and decide to inform their mistress, the Queen of the Night, of the Prince’s arrival. When Tamino wakes, Papageno the bird-catcher takes the credit for rescuing him. The Three Ladies punish Papageno’s lies by padlocking his mouth, and show Tamino a portrait of Pamina, the Queen’s daughter. On the Queen’s instructions, Tamino – who has fallen in love with Pamina - vows to rescue her from her evil captor, Sarastro. To protect Tamino and Papageno, the Three Ladies present them with a magic flute and magic bells, as the Three Children guide them on their way.
Papageno rescues Pamina from the lustful advances of Monostatos, and together they flee in search of Prince Tamino. At the Temple of Wisdom, the Speaker informs Tamino that Sarastro is a wise and noble ruler. Tamino plays his flute and strange animals gather around him, while Papageno’s magic bells prevent Monostatos from attacking him and Pamina again. Sarastro punishes Monostatos but informs Pamina and Tamino that they cannot be united until Tamino obtains wisdom.
Interval
Act II
To Papageno’s dismay, Tamino has decided to undergo the trials to enter Sarastro’s brotherhood. The Three Ladies attempt to persuade the Prince and the bird-catcher to break their vow of silence but are unsuccessful. The Queen of the Night orders Pamina to kill Sarastro, threatening to disown her if she doesn’t. Sarastro reassures Pamina that love, not evil, will triumph in his sacred halls. Pamina is heartbroken when Tamino – still observing his vow of silence – shuns her. Meanwhile Papageno’s magic bells summon an old woman who turns into the woman of his dreams – Papagena! – only for her to be taken away from him.
Pamina unites with Tamino for his final trial. Aided by the magic flute, they triumph and are welcomed into the brotherhood. Longing for Papagena, Papageno contemplates suicide, when he suddenly remembers his magic bells, and they are reunited. Sarastro banishes the Queen, her Ladies and Monostatos to infinite darkness. Day has defeated night, and everyone joins in a hymn of praise.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
André Callegaro is a Jette Parker Artist
THE ROYAL OPERA
Patron
Music Director
Director of Opera
Director of Casting
Administrative Director
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