Maidenhead Operatic Society - November 2012

The Magic Flute

Following the success of our recent production of Carmen The Musical, we are delighted that our November 2012 show will be Mozart's ever-popular The Magic Flute, in a new version specially adapted and arranged for MOS byHoward Faulks, who will be Music Director. This adaptation will make the work even more appealing to our members, for example by enhancing the role of the chorus, while preserving many opportunities for principal roles.

Audiences can be sure of hearing Mozart's majestic and magical music, backed by a full orchestra.

Further information on the production team, preview and audition dates will be available soon. Show week will start with Band Call on Sunday 25th November, at the Desborough Suite, Town Hall, Maidenhead.

                                     

The Magic Flute is fabulous in both senses of the word: an incredible, mythical plot-line, set to marvellous, sublime music that could only have been written by Mozart, with every aspect of music perfectly suited to the unfolding drama. The theme can be summarized as the battle between good and evil, with love ultimately triumphant. Some of the music is reminiscent of pantomime, then ranging from simple but affecting statements, through noble and majestic themes, to complex vocal displays.

 

The complete opera runs for 2 hours 40 minutes but our MD, Howard Faulks, is aiming to trim about 50 minutes for the MOS version, which will be more like a musical. All the best bits will remain and Howard will not be trying to "improve" Mozart's music, although the original orchestration will be modified for resources similar to our Carmen orchestra.

 

Mozart restricted the Chorus to minor, occasional involvement but this will be enhanced in the MOS version, so there will be plenty to challenge everyone who decides to take part. There will be 16 principal roles, including three boys who need to sing in exquisite 3-part harmony, with an almost equal number of opportunities for female and male voices.

  

Whoever sings The Queen of Night will need an exceptional voice and remarkable stage presence. Her two songs call for flute-like accuracy, articulation and vocal dexterity, especially in the extreme upper register (including super Fs), and she needs to be convincing as the personification of evil.

 

For those who enjoyed performing Carmen the Musical, we are very confident that this will be every bit as good in all respects.

 

Keep an eye on our websitewww.mos-uk.org for further information regarding preview and audition dates!