🗓️ 10–13 November 2021 | 📍 York Theatre Royal, York, North Yorkshire, UK

“the story of a Prince finding his true love in a world of dragons, magic bells and magic flute serves as an operatic pantomime too, making it the perfect introduction to opera.”

— Martin Dreyer, Charles Hutch Press

In November 2021, York Opera returned to the York Theatre Royal with a spellbinding new production of Mozart’s final opera, The Magic Flute. This magical, symbolic journey through love, wisdom, and enlightenment brought together local talent, bold visual storytelling, and a spectacular community spirit to mark the company’s return to the stage following the pandemic.

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About the Opera

First performed in 1791, just weeks before Mozart’s death, Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute) blends fairy tale and philosophy in a rich, genre-defying opera. It follows Prince Tamino and his companion Papageno as they undergo trials of wisdom and courage to win love and spiritual enlightenment.

With famous arias like "Der Hölle Rache" (Queen of the Night) and "Ein Mädchen oder Weibchen", this opera remains one of the most frequently performed and beloved works in the repertoire.

York Opera and the community

This was York Opera’s first main-stage production since COVID-19, marking a joyous and emotional return for performers, crew, and audiences. With a cast of emerging and veteran local singers, and a full orchestra in the pit, The Magic Flute reaffirmed the company’s role as one of York’s leading community arts organisations.

York Opera’s Interpretation

Directed by John Soper and musically led by Derek Chivers, this production took a bold yet respectful approach to Mozart’s final masterpiece. The staging embraced the opera’s mythic themes, while imaginative set and lighting design created a timeless world of temples, trials, and transformation.

Costumes blended ritual and fantasy, and the Queen of the Night’s climactic scenes drew gasps with their vocal brilliance and visual impact. Director John Soper returned to this opera for the second time since 2009, bringing a deeply informed, visually creative hand to the production.