The Faculty of Fine Arts and Music is proud to present ‘The Magic Flute’

This December sees students from the Master of Music (Opera Performance), Bachelor of Music (Voice), Master of Production Design (Stage), and the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music orchestra bring to life a modern retelling of Mozart’s classic opera, Die Zauberflöte ‘The Magic Flute’.

The performance is directed by Professor of Creative and Performing Arts and Coordinator of Opera, Jane Davidson, who looks forward to showcasing the rich talents of students from multiple disciplines in this engaging and dynamic way.

“The audience can look forward to a reimagined take on this opera classic, which engages with the digital world,” said Jane.

“The music will provide a hint of nostalgia for many, with chiptune tones from 80s and 90s video games to set the scene for our singers as they wrestle with good and evil on a quest for the truth.”

The performance features multimedia in a vibrant new arrangement by composer and keyboard player, Dr Donald Nicolson, who also provided musical direction.

Joshua Morton-Galea performs the lead role, Tamino, is in his graduate performance.

“The most rewarding part of a performance like this is the collegiality with your peers; being able to bounce off one another. The rearrangement of the music has provided a fresh spin on the classic prince-rescues-princess narrative.

“My involvement in ‘The Magic Flute’ and working with other Australian artists has really cemented my passion for establishing my own work following my graduation,” Joshua said.

First lady, Lisette Bolton is currently in her first year studying a Masters of Music. She praises this fresh approach to a classic, driven by the faculty coming together to appeal to a diverse audience.

“We’re working collectively as a company toward the same goal, it’s been a really positive learning environment,” said Lisette. “I’ve discovered a passion for Mozart’s work over the course of this project and would like to specialise in this type of music going forwards.

“It’s exciting to work on a project like this in a professional setting, to be able to reinvent the classics to make them meaningful and relevant for a new audience.

“You don’t have to know anything about opera to enjoy this production, it’s funny, it’s melodious and entertaining, everyone will find something to enjoy.”

‘The Magic Flute’ performance details:

Princess Pamina has been abducted and her mother The Queen of the Night enlists Tamino to help her rescue her daughter. To aid him on his perilous journey, he is given a magic flute and a companion named Papageno. Tamino, Papageno, and Pamina must traverse many trials to see if they are worthy to attain the wisdom and knowledge required to restore the balance between light and darkness.

Tickets for The Magic Flute are available now for shows Wednesday 6 December – Saturday 9 December at 7pm AEDT.