The Metropolitan Opera has announced its production of "The Magic Flute" for the 2023 season. This beloved Mozart opera will be directed by the renowned Julie Taymor, known for her visionary work in theater and film. Taymor's imaginative and visually stunning approach will bring a unique and captivating experience to the stage. "The Magic Flute" is a fantastical tale filled with enchantment, comedy, and thought-provoking themes. The story follows the journey of Prince Tamino as he strives to rescue Princess Pamina with the help of a magical flute. Along the way, they encounter colorful characters such as the bird-catcher Papageno and the Queen of the Night.
AOS judging on Sept. 22, 2022
All Paphiopedilum are characterised by both a cup-like lip called the pouch, which gives them the common name of lady slipper, and a prominent dorsal sepal. The plants are mostly terrestrials, although some, like Paphiopedilum lowii may be found growing epiphytically, on trees or lithophytically, on rocks They are dwarf to moderate sized with leaves that are stiff, waxy or leathery and range from a glossy green to beautifully mottled.
Along the way, they encounter colorful characters such as the bird-catcher Papageno and the Queen of the Night. Taymor's production promises to be a feast for the eyes, with intricate puppetry, vibrant costumes, and stunning set designs. Her ability to seamlessly blend traditional and contemporary elements will breathe new life into this classic opera.
Orchid shows and awards
There was a special AOS outreach judging event in Phoenix with multiple awards given. Congratulations everyone!
Brassavola Renée Gerber ‘Marko’ AM-AOS (82 points) grown by Karla V., Desert Valley Orchid Society. Photo: Kevin Dubiel.
Brassocattleya Nakornpathome Silver ‘Marko’ AM-AOS (80 points) grown by Karla V., Desert Valley Orchid Society. Photo: Kevin Dubiel.
Catasetum AA Orquideas ‘Owen’ AM-AOS (83 points) grown by Wes A., Tucson Orchid Society. Photo: Kevin Dubiel.
Phalaenopsis Phoenix FIre Fight ‘Garnet Glow’ HCC-AOS (78 points grown by Wes A., Tucson Orchid Society. Photo: Kevin Dubiel.
Phalaenopsis Shadow Stalker ‘Phoenix Beauty’ AM-AOS (83 points grown by Wes A., Tucson Orchid Society. Photo: Kevin Dubiel.
Rhynchostylis coelestis v. alba ‘Logan’ CCM-AOS (83 points), HCC-AOS (78 points) grown by Wes A., Tucson Orchid Society. Note the CCM award is an award of merit given to the exhibitor of a plant grown exceptionally well. Photo: Kevin Dubiel.
Desert Valley Orchid show in Phoenix on April 1 and 2, 2023.
Our sister society in Phoenix also had a great show with six American Orchid Society awards. Congratulations to everyone! The official photos are posted below.
Den. lindleyi ‘Majjis’ HCC-AOS (79 points) grown by Maureen McG., Desert Valley Orchid Society. Photo: Kevin Dubiel.
Paph. N.R. ‘Fu Manchu Mustache’ AM-AOS (83 points) (Paph. Angel Hair x Paph. parishii) grown by Mark D., Tucson Orchid Society. Photo: Kevin Dubiel.
Phal. Charlie Addison ‘After Glow’ CCE-AOS (92 points) (Phal. Tying Shin Baby Smile x Phal. Tying Shin Golden City) grown by Mark D., Tucson Orchid Society. Photo: Kevin Dubiel.
Phal. Charlie Addison ‘Old Blood’ AM-AOS (82 points) (Phal. Tying Shin Baby Smile x Phal. Tying Shin Golden City) grown by Mark D., Tucson Orchid Society. Photo: Kevin Dubiel.
Phal. Charlie Addison AQ-AOS (Phal. Tying Shin Baby Smile x Phal. Tying Shin Golden City) grown by Mark D. and Wes A., Tucson Orchid Society. Wes A. created the cross. Photo: Kevin Dubiel.
Phal Dragon’s Imp ‘Owen’ AM-AOS (83 points) (Phal Venimp x Phalaenopsis Dragon Tree Eagle) grown by Wes A., Tucson Orchid Society. Photo: Kevin Dubiel.
AOS judging on Sept. 22, 2022
There was a special AOS outreach judging event in Phoenix with four awards given. Congratulations everyone!
Catt. Amphion ‘Cherry Pie’ HCC/AOS grown by Bob J., Tucson Orchid Society. Photo: Kevin Dubiel.
Habenaria rhodocheila ‘Ron Coleman’ CCM/AOS grown by Wes A., Tucson Orchid Society. Photo: Kevin Dubiel.
Paph. Hengduan’s Qin ‘Kasen and Kade’ AM/AOS grown by Kaye E., Tucson Orchid Society. Photo: Kevin Dubiel.
Phal. Dragon Heart ‘Kate’ HCC/AOS grown by Wes A., Tucson Orchid Society. Photo: Kevin Dubiel.28th annual Fiesta de las Flores, March 4 and 5, 2023
We had another great show this year, thank you to everyone that attended. There were lots of member displays, great plants for sale and we had a fabulous time talking orchids. We’d also like to thank Mesquite Valley Growers for lending us space in their greenhouse.
There were seven American Orchid Society awards. Congratulations everyone! The official photos are posted below.
Den N.R. ‘Oh Wow!’ CCE-AOS (92 points) (Den Burana Princess x Den Burana Stripes) grown by Mark D., Tucson Orchid Society. Photo: Kevin Dubiel.
Paph Hsinying Alien ‘Mark’ HCC-AOS (78 points) (Paph Raisin Pie x Paph Supersuk) grown by Mark D., Tucson Orchid Society. Photo: Kevin Dubiel.
Paph. lowii ‘Dimmit’s Pleasure’ AM-AOS (83 points) grown by Mark D., Tucson Orchid Society. Photo: Kevin Dubiel.
Paph. Paul Parks ‘Dimmit’s Pleasure’ AM-AOS (82 points) (Paph. sanderianum x Paph. adductum) grown by Mark D., Tucson Orchid Society. Photo: Kevin Dubiel. Phal. Dragon’s Imp ‘Logan’ AM-AOS (83 points) (Phal. Dragon Tree Eagle x Phal. Venimp) (close-up) grown by Wes A., Tucson Orchid Society. Photo: Kevin Dubiel.
Phal. Susan Philips ‘Owen’ HCC-AOS (78 points) (Phal. Emeraude x Phal. Tsay’s Evergreen) grown by Wes A., Tucson Orchid Society. Photo: Kevin Dubiel.
Vanda A.F. Buckman ‘Michelle Marie’ CCE-AOS (92 points) (Vanda falcata x Vanda christensoniana)(Close-up) grown by Bob J., Tucson Orchid Society. Photo: Kevin Dubiel.
Vanda A.F. Buckman ‘Michelle Marie’ CCE-AOS (92 points) (Vanda falcata x Vanda christensoniana) grown by Bob J., Tucson Orchid Society. Photo: Kevin Dubiel.
28th annual Fiesta de las Flores
March 4 and 5, 2023
We had another great show this year! We had lots of member displays, great plants for sale and a great time talking orchids! We thank Mesquite Valley Growers for lending us space in their greenhouse.
There were seven American Orchid society awards. Congratulations everyone! You can see the official awards photos below.
Den N.R. ‘Oh Wow!’ CCE-AOS (92 points) (Den Burana Princess x Den Burana Stripes) grown by Mark D., Tucson Orchid Society. Photo: Kevin Dubiel.
AOS judging May 19, 2022.
There was a special judging event in Phoenix with great results! Five different people won awards – 3 from TOS, 1 from DVOS and 1 a Phoenix grower.
Paph Macabre ‘Mark’s Surprise’ AM/AOS grown by Mark D., Tucson Orchid Society. Photo: Eric Goo.
Phal Dragon’s Imp ‘Lucky To Be Alive’ AM/AOS grown by Bob J. Tucson Orchid Society. Photo: Eric Goo
Phal Dragon’s Imp ‘Kate’ AM/AOS grown by Wes A., Tucson Orchid Society. Photo: Eric Goo.
Phal Shadow Dancer ‘Phoenix Sun’ HCC/AOS hybridized and grown by Eric G., Desert Valley Orchid Society. Photo: Eric Goo.
Paph Dollgoldi ‘Golden Crane’ FCC/AOS Grown by Jayson W., Phoenix grower. Photo: Eric Goo.
Desert Valley Orchid Society show and judging on April 2, 2022
Guarechea Black Comet ‘Indigo Blue’ HCC/AOS grown by Eric Willis in the Tucson Orchid Society. Photo: Eric Goo. It’s not upside down, it blooms that way!
Pcv Key Lime Stars ‘Marko’ AM/AOS grown by Karla V in the Tucson Orchid Society and the Desert Valley Orchid Society. Photo: Eric Goo.
Phal Peggy Tauscher ‘Phoenix Beauty’ HCC/AOS hybridized and grown by Eric G. in the Desert Valley Orchid Society. Photo: Eric Goo.
27th annual Fiesta de las Flores – March 5 and 6, 2022
We had a fantastic orchid show this year! There were lots of members displays, great plants for sale and excellent conversations with fellow orchid growers.
Thank you to Mesquite Valley Growers for lending us space for our show in their spectacular new tropical plants greenhouse!
We had eight American Orchid Society awards given for particularly fine orchids. The paired pictures show an official AOS close up of the flower and the other shows a bit more of the plant.
Awarded plants March 2022. Congratulations everyone!
Bob J.’s first AOS award!
Audiences can expect a visually stunning and emotionally engaging experience that stays true to the heart of Mozart's music. In addition to Taymor's direction, the performance will feature a stellar cast of opera singers, including some of the industry's finest talents. The precise casting will ensure that the vocal performances match the artistic vision of the production, creating a harmonious blend of visuals and music. The Metropolitan Opera is known for its commitment to presenting world-class productions, and "The Magic Flute" is sure to be no exception. The 2023 season promises to be a memorable one for opera lovers, with this groundbreaking production offering a fresh take on a beloved classic. Whether you are a long-time opera enthusiast or new to the genre, "The Magic Flute" at the Metropolitan Opera in 2023 is an event not to be missed. Be prepared to be transported to a world of magic, music, and wonder, as Taymor and her team bring this timeless masterpiece to life..
Reviews for "Discover the hidden symbolism in the Metropolitan Opera's production of The Magic Flute"
1. John - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with the Metropolitan Opera's production of "Magic Flute" in 2023. The sets were lackluster and didn't transport the audience into the magical world of the opera. The overall performance felt rushed, and the singers seemed disconnected from the characters they were portraying. I had high expectations for this performance, but unfortunately, it fell short.
2. Sarah - 1/5 stars - The Metropolitan Opera's rendition of "Magic Flute" in 2023 was a complete letdown. The costumes were poorly designed and looked cheap. The acting was stiff and lacked emotion, making it difficult to connect with the characters. The overall production felt disjointed and lacked coherence. It pains me to say this, but I would not recommend attending this particular performance of "Magic Flute."
3. Robert - 2/5 stars - I had been looking forward to the Metropolitan Opera's production of "Magic Flute" in 2023, but it was a disappointment. The staging felt cluttered and overwhelming at times, making it hard to focus on the music and the performers. The singing was average, lacking the mesmerizing quality that I expected from the Met. Overall, I found this rendition of "Magic Flute" to be underwhelming compared to other performances I have attended in the past.
4. Emily - 3/5 stars - I have mixed feelings about the Metropolitan Opera's "Magic Flute" in 2023. While there were elements that impressed me, such as the orchestra's performance and some individual vocalists, the overall production fell short of my expectations. The staging felt uninspired, and the pacing was uneven. There were moments of brilliance, but they were overshadowed by a lack of cohesiveness in the overall presentation. I would recommend attending with tempered expectations.