USU Opera and Orchestra Create Musical, Magical Experience

Utah State University Opera Theatre and Symphony Orchestra combine to bring magical mischief to the stage as Mozart's Die Zauberflöte (“The Magic Flute”) graces Utah State University April 6-9.

Curtains open at 7:30 p.m. in the Kent Concert Hall of USU’s Chase Fine Arts Center. Tickets are $13 general admission, $8 for seniors, youth and USU faculty and staff and free for USU Students with ID.

“Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte offers a masterful experience both musically and dramatically for performers and audience alike with its inspiring message of human enlightenment and redemption,” said Lynn Jemison-Keisker, director of the opera theatre.

The orchestra is under the direction of Jemison-Keisker and Sergio Bernal.

This production, which was Mozart’s last opera, is a performance project available once every four years to enhance the opportunities of undergraduate students of various disciplines and for the enjoyment of the greater community, Jemison-Keisker said.

Dialogue is in English and the sung portion is in German with English supertitle translation.

The Magic Flute is based on circumstances connected with the mysterious worship of Isis, the deity of the ancient Egyptians. It all begins when Sarastro, the high priest of the Temple of Isis, takes away Pamina, the daughter of the wicked Queen of Night, so she may be trained in the ways of virtue and wisdom.

Meanwhile, the handsome Egyptian prince Tamino is saved from a monstrous serpent by the Queen’s servants who show him a portrait of Pamina and he immediately falls in love her. He is told the story of her having been stolen by Sarastro and he vows to rescue her.

Before embarking on his quest, Tamino is presented with a magic flute to help him call for aid in times of peril. Papageno, the silly bird-catcher who accompanies him, is also furnished with other musical instruments which, when played, transform anger into mirth and provoke a desire for dancing.

While their journeys do not lead them to where they expect, everything turns out in the end.

This production has been rated E for Everyone, but is not recommended for children younger than 6 years old.

Tickets are available at the Caine College of the Arts box office, located in room 139-b of USU’s Chase Fine Arts Center, online or by phone, 435-797-8022.

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