Mozart and the likewise singularly gifted, although often overshadowed, comedian and theatre director Emanuel Schikaneder premièred The Magic Flute, the composer's last opera, on 30 September 1791. This tale of unfathomable secrets is now being presented under the baton of James Levine, the Metropolitan Opera's music director emeritus, in a spectacular production by Julie Taymor, who has found an electrifying way to juxtapose the earthly and the heavenly – the two key elements that make up the world of this masterpiece – in an electrifying way. As Pamina, threatened with blackmail and rejection only to find herself facing trials together with her mate, is South African Golda Schultz, who has established an international reputation for herself in recent years. Taking the stage as Tamino, the opera's primo uomo on a courageous and death-defying journey in pursuit of noble ends, is Charles Castronovo. Yet another brilliantly conceived character, the Queen of the Night is the mistress of dark forces and a calculating mother. She will be brought to life by Kathryn Lewek, with Markus Werba portraying the simple-minded and naïve bird-catcher Papageno, who brings the opera its refreshingly comic aspects. Discovered by Sir Georg Solti, René Pape has been the world's top Sarastro and the Met's leading bassist for decades, and is now a “grand old man” in an artistic sense as well, credibly embodying both wisdom and humanity with his astonishingly resounding voice.

The 'Metropolitan Opera Live in HD” transmissions have been made possible through the cooperation of our partner, Cikánek Management.

Presented by: Müpa Budapest