The Magic Flute
The Sydney Conservatorium of Music (SCM) is once again collaborating with the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) staging Mozart’s classic opera The Magic Flute. Conducted by Dr Stephen Mould (SCM) and directed by Clemence Williams, this production teams SCM opera students and musicians with NIDA technical theatre and stage management, costume, props, and scenic construction students. The production answers a need for specialised integrated multi-disciplinary performing arts training in Australia and offers students an invaluable experience.
The forthcoming production of The Magic Flute offers our students in the cast, chorus and orchestra an opportunity to participate in a fully staged production of a major opera, rehearsed and produced to Industry standards.
"In addition, they work with NIDA students who provide stage management, costumes and sets – a unique opportunity for emerging talents in the areas of opera and theatre to come together and learn from each other.”
Audiences are invited to experience a world that feels like 1984 meets Alice in Wonderland meets The Wizard of Oz. Tamino, a prince, has lost his way. He journeys down a deep rabbit hole in search of his true love, Pamina, imprisoned in the Temple of The Sun. Together they navigate the trials imposed by the mysterious Sarastro and the trickery of The Queen of the Night and her cronies. A fairy tale for the ages where good and evil are explored and pitted against one another, and where truth and resolution are often hiding.
Some of the composer’s greatest melodies will be conducted by post SCM graduate student Omid Moheb Zadeh, who said: “The Magic Flute is iconic and one of the most performed operas around the world. As a result, the work comes with a great expectation.”
“Being part of this production created a wonderful opportunity for me to explore the possibilities of music making. However, this comes with tremendous demand for technique and knowledge of the score as the conductor. I am truly fortunate to be able to make music and share those magical moments with a live audience and am excited to be part of the creative team alongside industry professionals, opportunities that are not common especially at this level of professionalism.”
The exuberant character of Papageno, which pushes the bound of vocal possibility, will be brought to life by SCM baritone, Jeremy Boulton, who recently won the prestigious IFAC Handa Australian Singing Competition.
"I've thoroughly enjoyed getting into Papageno's body during rehearsal. He's human, flawed, yet good-natured with only the best of intentions for those who are dear to him. Papageno is the 'everyman'. I think there is a bit of Papageno in everyone,” says Boulton.
"The new co-production model between NIDA and the Sydney Conservatorium brings out the very best in everyone involved and is a bold collaboration between two of the country's leading arts institutions.
“The performance and rehearsal processes are mostly student-led from key creative assistants to all of stage management and of course, the entire principal cast, chorus and orchestra are students too."
Dr Anna Reid, Head of School and Dean, Sydney Conservatorium of Music said: “The SCM is so delighted to be working with the faculty and students of NIDA. The synergies between our two schools is amazing and this sort of opportunity seeds partnerships into the future. Our students, from both sides, will remember this collaboration throughout their whole professional careers.”
THE MAGIC FLUTE
Music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Libretto by Emanuel Shikaneder
Co Presented by Sydney Conservatorium of Music and NIDA
Conductor Stephen Mould
Director Clemence Williams
Venue: The Parade Theatre, NIDA
21 - 29 October 2022