Pacific Opera Presents The Magic Flute

THE MAGIC FLUTE
THE GREATEST ADVENTURE EVER SUNG
APRIL 16, 18, 21, 23, 25 AND 27, 2009

Pacific Opera Victoria is proud to present its first "Magic Flute", in over twenty years. Mozart's enchanting adventure for all ages, THE MAGIC FLUTE is presented at The Royal Theatre in Victoria, April 16, 18, 21, 23, 25 and 27, 2009.

Mozart's final opera, THE MAGIC FLUTE (Die Zauberfl��te) was written in 1791 to a libretto by Emanuel Schikaneder, and it has become one of the most beloved masterpieces in the repertoire. The young lovers, Prince Tamino and Princess Pamina, the imposing Sarastro, the tempestuous Queen of the Night, and the whimsical bird-catcher Papageno have been entertaining audiences for over 200 years in a work that is both playful and profound.

What transforms this sophisticated, joyous adventure into one of the most prodigious masterworks in the repertoire is, of course, Mozart's music. Encompassing infectious folk airs, sonorous majesty, and coloratura pyrotechnics, it is stunning in its variety and beauty. And with a story and characters that inspire and amuse, THE MAGIC FLUTE has something for everyone. Sublime and bewitching, it is an opera to grow up with and to grow old with.

Award-winning Maestro Timothy Vernon and Director Glynis Leyshon team up with designer John Ferguson and local artists Miles Lowry and David Ferguson to present a Magic Flute infused with the graceful spirit and elegance of turn-of-the-century Vienna.

An exceptional ensemble cast includes Shannon Mercer, a Juno-award nominee who makes her company debut as Pamina, Colin Ainsworth as Tamino, and Canadian coloratura Aline Kutan in her signature role of The Queen of the Night. Uwe Dumbrach as Sarastro and Hugh Russell as
Papageno are joined by Marilyn Arsenault (Papagena), Michel Corbeil (Monostatos) and Bruce Kelly (High Priest).

Also featured in this production are members of Pacific Opera Victoria's Resident Artist Program, which offers advanced operatic training to outstanding young professional singers. Making their POV debuts are Resident Artists Lucia Cesaroni, Leticia Brewer, and Erin Lawson as the three ladies, with Joseph Schnurr and Alexandre Sylvestre as the two priests.

Kids love opera and a special 6th performance of THE MAGIC FLUTE is presented with children and their favourite grown-ups in mind. The April 27th performance of THE MAGIC FLUTE begins at 7pm (an hour earlier than other performances), and tickets are offered to children and youth aged 17 and under for half price.

Sung in German with English dialogue and surtitles, Pacific Opera Victoria's production of THE MAGIC FLUTE runs April 16, 18, 21, 23, 25 and 27, 2009 at the Royal Theatre in Victoria. All performances begin at 8pm, except for the April 27 performance which begins at 7pm. Priced between $25 and $110, tickets are available from the Royal and McPherson Box Office at 250-386-6121 or www.rmts.bc.ca.

Student RUSH tickets for those presenting valid student identification are available at the door of the theatre, 45 minutes prior to each performance, subject to availability. RUSH tickets are $15, inclusive of all box office charges.

For more information, please contact Pacific Opera Victoria at (250) 385-0222 or visit www.pov.bc.ca.