Magic Flute To Play In Downpatrick

Opera Theatre Company, Ireland’s National Touring Opera Company in Association with Downe Independent Promotions are presenting Mozart’s magical masterpiece for one night only in Northern Ireland... in the newly refurbished Down Arts Centre. 

Described by the critics as putting the magic and mischief back into the masterpiece, Opera Theatre Company’s The Magic Flute has been delighting first time opera goers and seasoned fans alike, in sold out theatres throughout the country. 

Handled with the lightest of touches by Belfast director Annilese Miskimmon, this dynamic new production is uplifting and extremely entertaining. We join Tamino, and his comic companion Papageno, on a dangerous quest to rescue Pamina, daughter of The Queen of the Night, from Sarastro, the Leader of the Masonic Brotherhood.  Trials and initiation rites abound.

Mozart’s glorious music is sublimely sung by a powerful cast of fourteen talented singers, who create a surreal world, which fluctuates through time – with characters appearing from ancient Egypt, from Edwardian days and culminates with a feisty group of suffragettes battling it out with the sinister  Masonic Brotherhood. Two Northern Irish singers to look out for are Emma Morwood singing the role of the innocent beauty Pamina, and current OTC Young Associate Artist Nathan Morrison. 

Mozart wrote twenty-two operas in his short life. His last opera, The Magic Flute has remained one of the most loved due both to generosity of dramatic spirit and its beautiful score. Mozart conducted the premiere but was dead less than 3 months later at the age of 35. So it became tinged with tragedy - at one stroke his last opera and one of his most popular, vying with The Marriage of Figaro for the title of most often performed.

Brenda Hurley leads Opera Theatre Company’s chamber ensemble, sung in English, The Magic Flute is directed by Annilese Miskimmon. Design is by Nicky Shaw with lighting design by Sinead McKenna.

Opera Theatre Company’s critically acclaimed tour of Mozart’s The Magic Flute will be back on the road with one night only in Northern Ireland on Saturday 11 February. 

Other plans for 2012 include a Spring tour Maxwell-Davies’ Eight Songs for a Mad King and a nationwide tour of Monteverdi’s Orfeo in June.

OTC gratefully acknowledges the Arts Council of Ireland for their continued commitment and encouragement and to Culture Ireland for their support of our international ventures. 

For more information please email scarroll@opera.ie for more details 

11 Feb Down Arts Centre, Downpatrick 8pm www.downartscentre.com

028 44610747

Tickets£ 16 / 13