The Magic Flute

Opera Pacific presents Mozart's The Magic Flute, led by Artistic Director and Principal Conductor John DeMain, at Segerstrom Hall of Orange County Performing Artscenter. The production will be conducted by John DeMain, and directed by Dr. Michael Hampe. Dr. Michael Hampe and Alberto Andreis designed the sets for the San Diego Opera.

Costumes are executed by San Diego Opera Costume Shop and designed by Zandra Rhodes.



Fantasy and delight reign supreme in this eye-popping, colorful production of Mozart's masterpiece! Visually and aurally stunning, this Magic Flute leads the audience on a thrilling journey through the darkest night (always illuminated with sparkling stars) into a dawn of daylight and love. Wonderful arias - including the Queen of the Night's gasp-inducing coloratura showcase - highlight the enchanting proceedings. Sung in German with English translation projected above the stage.



Opera Pacific continues its 22nd season with this production of Mozart's final opera. The Magic Flute opened in 1791. The opera was produced as a commission for librettist Emmanuel Schikaneder's failing theater company, Theater auf der Wieden. The critical success of the original production (which also starred Schikaneder as Papageno) brought new life to the theater and simultaneously reached out to a new audience.



Noted for its fairy tale influences and classic symbols of good versus evil, The Magic Flute follows the love story of the young prince Tamino (Chad Shelton) and princess Pamina (Nicole Cabell) - the beautiful daughter of the Queen of the Night (Luz de Alba Rubio), Tamino attempts to rescue Pamina after learning of her kidnapping by the high priest Sarastro. The Queen of the Night gives Tamino a magic flute for protection, and then sends him and Papageno (a bird catcher sung by Rod Gilfry) to find her daughter. It is not until after both men face tests of extreme elements that Tamino and Pamina are united.

The Magic Flute ranges from the ultra dramatic to the highly comic.

Presented in the form of Singspiel, it includes both singing and

spoken dialogue.



Described by the North County Times as “an ideal introduction to opera for children“ this production was first seen in San Diego in 2001, and again in 2006, with costumes by renowned British textile designer Zandra Rhodes. Known for her bright pink hair, dramatic designs, and past ...