‘The Magic Flute’ on stage this weekend

A beloved opera by one of the world’s greatest composers has been brought to life this November at the State University of New York at Fredonia as the 2008-09 Hillman Opera. The SUNY Fredonia School of Music, in cooperation with the Department of Theatre and Dance, will present four performances of “The Magic Flute” in Marvel Theatre at Rockefeller Arts Center. Performance dates and times are Nov. 6, 7 and 8 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 9 at 2 p.m. 

The Hillman Opera Production Administrator Julie Newell said “The Magic Flute,” which was written by Mozart, will be presented in English and should appeal to both first-time opera goers and long-time opera lovers. “‘The Magic Flute’ is a joy for children,” Newell said. “The opera will be sung in English, so it will be easy for young audience members to enjoy. It is a perfect work for first time opera goers to attend.”

“The Magic Flute” was Mozart’s last and most beloved opera, cited for its unique combination of humor, love and pathos. The work also features some of the most extraordinary music in all of opera. Written in two acts, “The Magic Flute” is in the form of a singspiel, a popular form that includes both singing and spoken dialogue. It premiered in Vienna in September of 1791.

“It was first produced at the Vienna Volksopera, a significant step in the development of opera, as it was created to be performed in the ‘language of the people,’ which, of course, was German,” Newell explained. “It also was intended for a more ‘common’ audience ─ it was not created for an aristocratic audience. Sadly, Mozart only lived long enough to see one month of the actual performances, but he did pass on knowing of its success.”

Since its premiere, “The Magic Flute” has been one of the most beloved works in the operatic repertoire. It is presently the tenth most frequently performed opera in North America.
“I believe the reasons for its perpetual popularity since its first performances are several” Newell said. “First, we have the opportunity to hear Mozart's music at its height ─ at the peak of his desire to express himself as an artist.”

Then, Newell said, there is the story itself.

“The story brings fanciful characters to the stage in the form of Papageno and Papagena, which draw our more childlike spirit out, but it is enveloped by a more serious theme ─ that of honor, responsibility and the search for a true and enduring love,” she said. “We meet incredible villains like the Queen of the Night and Monostatos, but we meet ‘the good guys’ also, Tamino and Sarastro who remind us of our youth, our own journey for ‘truth.’ Add to this special effects, some of the greatest arias of the entire operatic repertory, beautiful orchestral music ─ how can one not be drawn to it.”

The Magic Flute is the latest production in the storied history of the Hillman Opera.

“We are very fortunate to have the privilege of producing opera at SUNY Fredonia,” Newell said. “Thanks to the Hillman Memorial Music Association, opera has existed and a visible and vibrant part of our community for over 70 years. This is indeed unique in an academic environment. There is a truly special energy in the air for the Hillman Opera, the sense of tradition and history, the opportunity to hear and see the greatest works of operatic literature both are thrilling enough ─ but to have the privilege to watch young, budding artists, with their boundless energy and creativity is so very special.”

Rehearsals for the Hillman production began with the first day of classes in August.

“Opera is the most challenging of the stage forms, as it is necessary to put so many different elements together,” Newell explained. “Our singer/actors have had individual coaching sessions with Professor Shinobu Takagi since the first day of classes. They have just finished their staging rehearsals with (Stage Director) Paul Mockovak and now are working hard to put all of the complexities of operatic performance together ─ their individual vocalism, the musical style and direction of Mozart’s score, as guided by (Music Director) David Rudge, and now adding the proper stage movement and believable, honest communication of their character.”

Newell said the stage “will be filled with immensely talented young singers, of professional caliber, an orchestra of the highest order, a professional stage set and costumes... which will mix to make for an incredibly exciting evening. So many highly successful alumni of the Hillman Opera grace stages around the world.”

Helping to bring the Hillman production to life will be the Fredonia College Symphony.

Also a part of this year's opera is David Bova, a SUNY Fredonia alumnus of the Class of 2000,who is helping with makeup and hair design. A Technical Production/Costuming major while at Fredonia, Bova recently designed wigs for the national tour of “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” and has been teaching makeup and hair design in Chicago, Ill. He is also working for Cirque du Soleil’s production of “Wintuk.”

For tickets, go to the SUNY Fredonia Ticket Office in the Williams Center, call 716-673-3501 (1-866-441-4928) or online at www.fredonia.edu/tickets