The Magic Flute Holiday Presentation is an enchanting and captivating event that brings together the mystical world of Mozart's opera with the festive spirit of the holiday season. This presentation showcases the talents of singers, actors, and musicians who bring the iconic characters of The Magic Flute to life on stage. The event takes place in a beautifully decorated theater, with the stage set to resemble a magical kingdom. The story of The Magic Flute is centered around the journey of Prince Tamino, who is tasked with rescuing Princess Pamina from the evil Queen of the Night. Along the way, he encounters a cast of vibrant and eccentric characters, including the birdcatcher Papageno, the wise Sarastro, and the mischievous Three Ladies. The holiday presentation adds a delightful twist to this classic tale by incorporating festive elements and themes.
Mozart’s The Magic Flute: A Masonic Opera
Mozart’s The Magic Flute is universally recognized as being a masterpiece among masterpieces. This opera is an allegorical tale, not a fairy tale, and uses symbols to express truths about the human spirit. The overarching theme is: Harmony in human society can only be realized by the perfect union of man and woman, characterized by an equality that is achieved through pure love, strength of character, and the rituals of Freemasonry.
Mozart, like many of the Founding Fathers of the United States, was a Freemason. In the late 18 th century, Freemasonry was considered a radical movement, aligned with the free thinkers of the Enlightenment. It was a threat to the aristocracy and established religion and, as such, was suppressed by the nobility and Vatican.
The opera is set in two polar opposite kingdoms: The Kingdom of Night – symbolized by the moon and the color silver, and ruled by the Queen of the Night. The Queen represents the Austrian empress Maria Theresa who oppressed Masonic Lodges. The Kingdom of the Temple of the Wisdom is symbolized by the sun and the color gold, and is led by the High Priest Sarastro who represents Ignaz von Born, leader of the Vienna Masonic Lodge of which Mozart was a member. These two kingdoms will only be reconciled by the union of opposing kingdom prince and princess Tamino and Pamina, respectively, and the victory of the sun (enlightenment) over the moon (the established order).
When we first meet Tamino he is running in fear from a serpent that represents his irrational ignorance of the Masonic Order. He is then lied to by the Queen to the Night and sent off to rescue her daughter Pamina from Sarastro. The rest of the opera is occupied by Tamino and Pamina finding pure love and enduring the Masonic trials of self-discipline through silence. They are ultimately purified by the basic elements of fire and water. Once they have successfully gone through these trials, Sarastro gives them the shield of the sun to be wise and benevolent rulers.
And why a magic flute? A common Masonic theme is that music has the power to transcend human fear and hatred. So, the moral of the story is that through the Masonic Order and guided by the beauty of music, society is enlightened – men and women equally.
The most memorable character in The Magic Flute is Papageno the birdcatcher, who was created to entertain the audience and further obscure the Masonic messaging of the plot. For the opera’s premier performances, the role of Papageno was played by actor Emanuel Schikaneder. Schikaneder was also the librettist for The Magic Flute and the owner of Teatre on Der Wien where the work premiered. Papageno is an Everyman and endures his own set of trials, at which he fails miserably. Yet, the kindly gods provide him a beautiful young wife and our Everyman couple populate the world with many little Papagenos and Papagenas. It’s a bit of a cynical comment that while there are few Taminos and Paminas, there are many Papagenos and Papagenas.
But why not just come out and say all of this? Well, remember that at the time of Mozart, Freemasonry was under a Papal bull of condemnation, and suppressed by the nobility. It was not only unfashionable, but potentially dangerous to be a Freemason. As you enjoy the delightfully brilliant music of Mozart in The Magic Flute, keep in mind the philosophical journey toward enlightenment that is shared by Tamino and Pamina.
Opera Grand Rapids’ production of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s The Magic Flute is being performed, in English, October 26 th and 27 th at DeVos Performance Hall. The production stars acclaimed artists John Viscardi as the comic Papageno and Jana McIntyre as the star-blazing Queen of the Night, with the Opera Grand Rapids Chorus and the Grand Rapids Symphony under the baton of Artistic Director, Maestro James Meena.
Initiation ceremony in a Viennese Masonic Lodge, during reign of Joseph II. The inside of what is thought to be the lodge New Crowned Hope (Zur Neugekrönten Hoffnung) in Vienna. It is believed that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is depicted at the extreme right, sitting next to his close friend Emanuel Schikaneder. Painting by Ignaz Unterberger (1748-1797) Click here to learn more.
Posted in UncategorizedOpera Grand Rapids
the Betty Van Andel Opera Center
1320 East Fulton, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503
The Magic Flute — Holiday Presentation
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The holiday presentation adds a delightful twist to this classic tale by incorporating festive elements and themes. The costumes and set design feature sparkling lights, colorful decorations, and wintery motifs that create a magical atmosphere. The musical arrangements are also modified to include popular holiday tunes and carols, adding a cheerful and uplifting touch to the performance.
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9 Dates 16 Performers & CreatorsThe singers and actors bring their characters to life with their powerful voices and dramatic performances. The Queen of the Night's aria is especially enthralling, while Papageno's comedic antics never fail to entertain the audience. The performers skillfully balance the serious and lighthearted moments of the opera, ensuring that both children and adults can enjoy the show. The Magic Flute Holiday Presentation is not only a feast for the eyes and ears but also a heartwarming experience that celebrates the festive season. It offers a unique combination of music, theater, and holiday cheer, making it a must-see event for opera enthusiasts and families alike. The presentation serves as a reminder of the power of music and storytelling to bring joy and unity during the holidays. Overall, the Magic Flute Holiday Presentation is a magical and enchanting experience that blends the beauty of Mozart's opera with the joy of the holiday season. It is an event that leaves a lasting impression on its audience, reminding them of the power of art and music to uplift and inspire..
Reviews for "Experience the Joy and Wonder of the Magic Flute this Holiday"
1. Ella - 1 star - The "Magic Flute Holiday Presentation" was an absolute disappointment. The performance lacked energy and passion, leaving me feeling bored and unimpressed. The costumes and set design were simplistic and uninteresting, failing to capture the enchanting essence of the story. The singing was mediocre at best, with several off-key moments that were painful to listen to. Overall, I would not recommend wasting your time and money on this lackluster performance.
2. John - 2 stars - I had high hopes for the "Magic Flute Holiday Presentation," but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The pacing of the show was sluggish, dragging on for what felt like an eternity. The performers seemed disengaged and unenthusiastic, failing to convey the magic and wonder of Mozart's classic opera. Additionally, the staging was unimaginative, and the use of props felt cheap and outdated. I expected a holiday presentation that would transport me to a magical world, but this performance left me feeling underwhelmed.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - As an avid fan of opera, I was excited to attend the "Magic Flute Holiday Presentation." However, I was sorely disappointed by the lack of talent displayed by the performers. The singing was inconsistent, with several missed notes and strained vocals. The actors failed to bring depth and emotion to their characters, resulting in a superficial and hollow performance. The overall production lacked cohesion, leaving me confused and disconnected from the story. Sadly, this presentation did not live up to the high standards I have come to expect from opera performances.