TO TOUR THE NORTH THIS SUMMER

Families in the north of England are being invited to get their first taste of opera this summer as Opera North takes its Whistle Stop Opera: The Magic Flute on tour across the region.

Inspired by Mozart’s final opera, The Magic Flute, this Whistle Stop version packs adventure, a thought-provoking message and enchanting music into a 35-minute show suitable for all the family. Through the story of Prince Tamino and his quest to win the hand of the beautiful Pamina, daughter of the Queen of the Night, it invites the audience to embark on a magical journey, exploring the issue of climate change along the way. At first glance, all seems well in the kingdom, but the bird-catcher Papageno has noticed that the birds are disappearing, and the animals no longer assemble to hear Tamino’s magic flute. Together, the two men and Pamina determine to find out why.

The fast-paced show has been devised by John Savournin, who also directs the piece. He is joined by three professional opera singers – soprano Emily Loftus, tenor Nicholas Watts and baritone Timothy Nelson – with accordionists Miloš Milivojević and Djordge Gajic providing the musical accompaniment.

Before they go, younger theatre-goers are encouraged to find out all about Mozart’s The Magic Flute, its characters and plot, at Opera North’s Little School of Music, where there will also be details on how to make a paper bird which can be brought along to the performance.

Whistle Stop Opera: The Magic Flute Performance Diary

 The Gateway East, Leeds                                                                      Sat 19 June                      1pm

National Centre for Early Music, York                                            Sat 26 June                      11am/ 2pm

Hyde Park Book Club, Leeds                                                               Sun 11 July                       11am/ 1pm/ 3pm

Otley Courthouse                                                                                     Sat 24 July                       11am/ 2pm

Helmsley Arts Centre, Helmsley                                                       Sat 31 July                        2.30pm

Stage@TheDock, Hull                                                                            Sat 7 Aug                          10am/ 11.30am