Praise for The Magic Flute

Duke Kim as Tamino with Ethan Ibsen, Caleb Petrini, and Autumn Helene Chociej as the Three Genies in The Magic Flute at Seattle Opera. Photo: David Jaewon Oh.

Audiences have one last weekend to catch Seattle Opera’s latest production of Mozart’s The Magic Flute, which has taken the city by storm. Concocted by visionary director Barrie Kosky and mixed-media theater group 1927, the production blends hand-drawn animations with silent film aesthetics in a unique, fully animated film projected over live performers. Read what critics have to say about this audacious new production, and don’t miss your chance to see The Magic Flute, playing at McCaw Hall until March 9. Tickets and info at seattleopera.org/flute.

Why present Don Giovanni in 2021?

From left: Jasmine Habersham (Zerlina), Kenneth Kellogg (Commendatore), and Laura Wilde (Donna Elvira). 

*Content warning: rape; sexual assault.

For many years, the character of Don Giovanni was celebrated as “Mozart’s bad boy”—an evil but charming anti-hero. But today in 2021, society has less tolerance for stories that fail to take sexual assault seriously. The norms that once helped to soften violent themes in an opera like Don Giovanni have been chipped away through #MeToo, and other social justice movements. 

So why present Don Giovanni in 2021? In addition to brilliant and glorious music, why does Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Lorenzo Da Ponte's masterpiece demand our attention NOW?

Three singers in Seattle Opera's Don Giovanni share their thoughts on this topic. Sopranos Jasmine Habersham (Zerlina) and Laura Wilde (Donna Elvira), as well as bass Kenneth Kellogg (Commendatore), are all making company debuts. Don Giovanni, streams March 19–21, 2021. For more information, go to seattleopera.org/giovanni.

AIDAN LANG INTRODUCES COSÌ FAN TUTTE

Listen to or read this downloadable podcast by General Director Aidan Lang. Così fan tutte, the ultimate operatic mash-up of buffa & seria, thought vs. feeling, Mozart's heartfelt music and Da Ponte's cynical words, returns to Seattle this winter (seven performances, January 13-27). Aidan introduces this fascinating opera and the ever-contemporary production which now returns, updated for 2018, to our city.

Hello, everyone, it's Aidan Lang here, and today I'm here to talk about Così fan tutte, our next opera!

Così fan tutte is always classified as a comedy, but as always with comedy, the old adage that it's the most serious art form was never truer than it is with this piece. It's a piece which delves very deeply into our psyche and into human behavior. Built into it are ideas and topics which are very germane to the lives we lead today and the society we have today.

This production is a revival of the production which was mounted here back in 2006 by the acclaimed director, Dr. Jonathan Miller. Jonathan said that "Così fan tutte is not about fidelity. It's about identity, and what happens when you put on a disguise." And I think there's an awful lot of truth in that.

Fidelio Singalong. Discussion and Q&A with Speight Jenkins

On September 12, 2012, 50 community members joined the Seattle Opera chorus for our first-ever singalong: The final scene from Fidelio.

After the singalong General Director Speight Jenkins discussed the opera in more detail and answered questions from those who attended.
Listen to the full discussion below or download now from the Seattle Opera Podcast on iTunes



Learn more about Fidelio on the Seattle Opera Website.

The Magic Flute: Flute-Apalooza

In celebration of “The Magic Flute,” Seattle Opera hosted a free community open house at McCaw Hall on Saturday, May 7, which featured performances by Papageno (Leigh Melrose) and the Queen of the Night (Mari Moriya), as well as Sound Wave (the official Seattle Sounders marching band), the University of Washington Magic Flutes, and an all-kazoo orchestra. Check out this recap of the fun, family-friendly event, sponsored by Russell Investments.




Learn more about The Magic Flute on the Seattle Opera website.

Magic Flute Opening Night Q&A with Speight Jenkins

After every performance, General Director Speight Jenkins hosts a free Q&A session in the lecture hall at McCaw Hall. Listen to this live recording of Seattle Opera General Director Speight Jenkins as he candidly answers the audience's questions after the Saturday, May 7 opening night performance of The Magic Flute.

The Magic Flute: Preview Trailer

Our production of Mozart's fantasy is colorful, fun, and boasts a cast full of amazing voices. Watch the preview trailer and see for yourself!




Learn more about The Magic Flute on the Seattle Opera website.

The Magic Flute: Director's Talk with Chris Alexander

Learn about the magic of The Magic Flute with Stage Director Chris Alexander's plans to make an imaginary world come to life onstage. Watch rehearsal footage along with Alexander’s exciting ideas, and see that it's no wonder Alexander is a two-time Artist of the Year recipient!




Learn more about The Magic Flute on the Seattle Opera website.

The Magic Flute: Behind the Scenes: Vocal Acrobatics

Mozart uses the characters in The Magic Flute to sing virtually every note within human vocal range. From the deep bass of Sarastro to the extremely high coloratura of the Queen of the Night, learn from Maestro Gary Wedow (and the singers themselves) about the voice types required to portray these characters successfully.




Learn more about The Magic Flute on the Seattle Opera website.

The Magic Flute: Costumes with Zandra Rhodes

Meet Zandra Rhodes, known to the international fashion scene as a high-end designer for the rich and famous. Her unique use of bold prints, fiercely feminine patterns and theatrical use of color gives each Rhodes creation a timeless quality. Her designs will be featured in our upcoming production of The Magic Flute.



Learn more about The Magic Flute on the Seattle Opera website.

Don Giovanni: Preview Video

Seattle Opera’s Young Artists take on this Mozart masterpiece, in which an unrepentant womanizer pays the ultimate price for his actions. Take a peek at the YAP’s Don Giovanni, which features eye-catching costumes, innovative video projections, and—of course—a talented cast of rising stars.



Learn more about Don Giovanni on the Seattle Opera website.

Speight's Corner: The Magic Flute

According to General Director Speight Jenkins, a variety of characters combined with "some of the most marvelous music [Mozart] ever wrote" makes The Magic Flute “Mozart’s most fantastic opera.” Jenkins also introduces the international cast which features a mix of returning artists as well as Seattle Opera debuts.



Learn more about The Magic Flute on the Seattle Opera website.

Teaser: The Magic Flute

A famous aria and quick plot synopsis, all in under a minute! Plus, preview the costumes we'll be featuring in this production by famous fashion designer Zandra Rhodes (footage courtesy of San Diego Opera).



Learn more about The Magic Flute on the Seattle Opera website.