The Opera at Florida State University’s College of Music will present one of Mozart’s most beloved and beautiful masterpieces on Halloween weekend with iconic music that focuses on love, virtue and the triumph of good over evil.
“Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute)” tells the story of a young, innocent couple’s struggle to confront adversity and find enlightenment and happiness after experiencing life’s trials and tribulations. The opera will perform at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 28, Friday, Oct. 29, and Saturday, Oct. 30, and at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 31, in Ruby Diamond Concert Hall. The show is part of the University Musical Associates (UMA) Concert Subscription Series.
“We hope you will enjoy this magical and somewhat sci-fi version of Mozart’s ‘Die Zauberflöte,’ conjured up by director Matthew Lata and the production team,” said Todd Queen, dean of the College of Music. “Opera has long held a special place of prominence at the College of Music, and it serves as an ideal vehicle to showcase the talents of our musicians and the professional quality of our productions.”
Premiering in 1791, “Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute)” is a German opera with English subtitles performed in two acts. The work was written in Singspiel, a form that includes both singing and spoken dialogue, by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Emanuel Schikaneder around 1791.
“‘The Magic Flute’ is a coming-of-age story,” said Matthew Lata, professor and stage director at the Florida State Opera. “Two protagonists, a young man and a young woman, are put through trial after trial, and finally realize their own self-worth and realize their dreams. In this production, we are emphasizing the journey, fantasy and that dreams can sometimes come true.”
According to Lata, this piece has not been performed at FSU in more than 20 years.
“It’ll be a huge projection show, so we can do just about anything we want,” Lata said. “It’s going to be very beautiful to look at. It is tuneful and absolutely appropriate for children as well. Bring the kids!”
The interactions that one student had with cast members made her understand and develop her role while gaining a better grasp of the goal of the story.
“I am fully honored to be working with my colleagues, especially professors Lata and Douglas Fisher,” said Alireza Tousi, who plays the role of a magician named Sarastro. “The production has been very professional and truly a learning experience.”
There will be free pre-opera lectures one hour prior to curtain in room 060 of the Westcott Building.
“Teddy Moore (scenic), Barry Steele (lighting & projections) and Christina Marullo (costumes) have brought their design talents to life and we are thrilled to have a visually stunning production for the final performance for our dear colleague, Douglas Fisher,” Queen said.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit tickets.music.fsu.edu.