Die Zauberflöte

Soloists:

The Israeli Opera Chorus

Chorus Master: Assaf Benraf  

The Opera Orchestra - The Israel Symphony Orchestra Rishon LeZion

Libretto: Emanuel Schikaneder

Sung in German

English and Hebrew Surtitles
Translation: Israel Ouval

Duration: Aprox 2 hours and 45 minutes

A coproduction with the Komische Opera Berlin

4.11.2021 - The opening event of the opera season donated by Sarah and prop. Michael Sela

Photo credit: Iko Freese / drama-berlin.de

Act I
Tamino, a young prince lost in an unknown land, is pursued by a dragon. Three young ladies rescue him. Charmed by the young man, each of these ladies wants the other two to depart to inform their Queen of his presence. Finally, they all depart. Tamino awakens. A strange creature, Papageno, who earns his keep by catching birds for the Queen of the Night arrives and pretends he killed the dragon. The three ladies appear and punish Papageno for his lies. They give Tamino a portrait of Pamina, the Queen's daughter, and he falls in love with the portrait. They tell him that she was abducted by Sarastro and Tamino promises to rescue her. The Queen of the Night arrives and promises him Pamina will be his forever if he will succeed in rescuing her. The ladies present Tamino with a Magic Flute which will protect and sustain him and Papageno in their rescue quest.
Inside Sarastro's palace, Monostatos, an underling of Sarastro's, captures Pamina and runs away upon the arrival of Papageno who instantly recognizes Pamina and tells her that a prince will come to rescue her. But the conversation brings sorrow to Papageno: he has no one to love. 
Three Boys arrive with Tamino in Sarastro's temple and advise him to be steadfast, tolerant, and discreet. The Speaker tells Tamino that Sarastro is not the monster depicted by the Queen of the Night and that Pamina is safe. Papageno and Pamina urge to find Tamino, praying to be protected from their enemy's fury, when they are stopped by Monostatos. Unexpectedly, when Pamina kneels before him and apologize for her escape, Sarastro just has cheerful words. He lets her be with Tamino, and, after having punished Monostatos, orders that they be tested and purified in the temple.

Act II
The priests, led by Sarastro, enter and ask Isis and Osiris to guide the steps of the two young lovers. The Priests tells Tamino and Papageno that they must remain silent. Suddenly, the three ladies appear, tempting Tamino and Papageno to break their silence vow but to no avail. Sarastro returns, and congratulates Tamino on his steadfastness and manly conduct. Monostatos appears trying again to seduce Pamina when the Queen arrives with a clap of thunder. Monostatos hides himself as the Queen pulls out a knife, asks her daughter to kill Sarastro, and disappears. Sarastro steps in and announces to Pamina that he will revenge against her mother. Pamina arrives but Tamino cannot speak to her because of his oath of silence. The three boys appear observing Pamina who is preparing to commit suicide. Pamina now hears the boys telling her Tamino loves her and she runs to follow him in the water and fire trails. Papageno is all alone, calling in vain for his Papagena. Just in the nick of time, the three boys appear, halting his suicide attempt. They remind him of his magic bells and once he plays them, Papagena appears. Monostatos, the Queen and her three ladies fail in their final attempt to destroy the temple. Sarastro and his priests thank the Gods. All’s well that ends well.

Back Stage Secrets at the Opera
Many Opportunities to Widen your Opera Experience

Do you want to know more about the opera you are about to attend? Do you want to find out some back stage secrets? Do you want to meet the artists after the performance? The Israeli Opera enables you to widen your opera experience with a variety of pre performance and post-performance events. 

Towards Opening
On Saturday morning before the premiere, the creators of the production and several of the soloists gather to discuss the opera, the production, their own career and today’s opera world. This is a unique opportunity to learn as much as possible about the production and meet the director, conductor, designers and some of the participating soloists. Musical excerpts from the opera illustrate the discussion. Towards Opening takes place before some of each season’s productions.

Pre Performance Lecture
One hour before each opera performance there is a 30-minute introductory lecture in the auditorium (in Hebrew). Opera staffers present the opera and the production and enable the audience to get some extra information a short time before attending the performances. Admission is free for ticket holders. 

Pre Performance Back Stage Tours
What happens backstage before the audience even thinks of getting dressed for the performance? What do the singers do? The conductor? The Technical teams? How does everyone prepare for the performance? A unique opportunity to taste a little bit of the back stage excitement before the curtain ascends/ A concerted half hour tour in places that are not usually open to the general public. Tours begin 90 minute before the performance begins and last 30 minutes. Tickets are 25NIS and can be booked in advance (tickets for each tour are limited). Tours take place on several evenings in each production. Details can be found at the Israeli opera’s website. Tours from groups both in Hebrew and in English can be booked in advance ( sarah@israelopera.org.il )

Opera Talkback
The curtain has just descended on the final scene of the opera. The hour is late. Nut the experience was riveting. This is the time to meet several of the performers. Come to listen and to speak. Ask questions. Meet the artists. A once in a lifetime opportunity to meet the artists who have just excited you on the stage. Opera Talkbacks takes place on the second level of the Opera House foyer and last around 30 minutes. Admission free. Opera Talkback takes place on several evenings in each production. Details can be found at the Israeli opera’s website.