In The Magic Flute Mozart presents a curious story somewhat evocative of a classical fairy-tale, as is evidenced by many points in the story: the presence of the wise old man Sarastro and the evil Queen of the Night, the pilgrimage of the brave Tamino looking for the lost princess Pamina, the apparition of three mysterious ladies, as well as the presence of the characteristic fairy-tale being, the bird-catcher Papageno who becomes Tamino’s fellow traveller. Yet the first impression doesn’t necessarily be that straightforward. How is it then? Did Mozart take us into the curious world of The Magic Flute out of prank, or is it that there is nothing coincidental here and, as some believe, the illegible symbolism conceals cleverly encoded ideas and signs that are difficult for us to comprehend? We can, however, be mesmerised by Mozart’s vision of the mythical world – and accept an invitation to the mysterious and somewhat curious fairy-tale which is certainly suitable for adults, too.

Running time: 2 hrs 50 mins with one interval