The On Site Opera presents Mozart’s The Magic Flute (excerpts) in the West Side Community Garden at 123 West 89th Street, New York as part of their Opera in the Garden series. It was altogether a delightful evening of gentle breezes, beautiful gardens, warbling birds, and a coterie of world-class musicians. These artists presented the brilliant and charming musical delights and mysteries that have enchanted audiences since The Magic Flute’s 1791 premiere.
English Language Subtitles
Producers thought of everything. While tonight’s works were sung in their original languages, audience members were indeed provided with a QR code providing live English language subtitles on their personal smartphones.
Soprano Cristina Maria Castro in a scene from The Magic Flute. Photo by Edward Kliszus
Mozart’s masterpiece Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute) portrays the escapades of Prince Tamino as he embarks on a journey to rescue Princess Pamina, the daughter of the Queen of the Night. Meanwhile, this two-act opera portrays the story replete with trials and interactions with mystical and fanciful beings.
Abiding Power of Music
Narrator Eric Einhorn unfolded the story as a kindly grandfather might while reading to his grandchildren. Einhorn likewise shared insights while fueling imagination and agency, unfolding The Magic Flute in its tale of love, heroism, and quest for truth and enlightenment. He intertwined fantastical elements, imagery, and the abiding power of music.
Baritone Mario Diaz Moresco and Tenor Aaron Blake, in a scene from The Magic Flute. Photo by Edward Kliszus
Children at the event were smiling and stirring to the musical strains. These moments obviously create lasting memories that help instill a lifelong love for the musical and dramatic arts. They are markedly evident of On Site Opera’s stated mission of making opera more accessible to all.
L-R: Soprano Maggie Finnegan, Baritone Mario Diaz Moresco, and Tenor Aaron Blake in a scene from The Magic Flute. Photo by Edward Kliszus
Resplendent Ensemble Passages
The audience reveled in beautiful arias, sparkling scenes, and resplendent ensemble passages from the Pa-Pa-Pa-Papageno duet performed by Cristina Maria Castro and Mario Diaz Moresco. Next was the transcendent Der Hölle Rache (Hell’s vengeance boils in my heart) with its coloratura passages of splendid artistry performed by Maggie Finnegan as Queen of the Night. Moreover, Aaron Blake as Tamino soared, captivating the audience with Wie stark ist nicht dein Zauberton (How strong is [not] your magic tone!). Joana Vladyka likewise stole hearts with Non so più cosa son (I do not know what I am, what do I do?).
L-R: Mezzo-Soprano Joanna Vladyka and Soprano Maggie Finnegan in a scene from The Magic Flute. Photo by Edward Kliszus
The On Site Opera presents Mozart’s The Magic Flute
Tonight’s Opera in the Garden On Site Opera production was a night of magical enchantment, charismatic strains, and sublime artistry. Moreover, the characters roamed about the garden and interacted with the audience, creating an intimate, immersive experience nearly impossible in a concert hall. With particularly superb singing, a refined but effectual musical accompaniment of piano, and two accomplished flutists, listeners were transported to a mythical realm of captivating imagination and charm. The audience’s experience was transformative, transcending into the boundaries of reality through engagement in the rich tapestry of the opera’s narrative, characters, and music.
Artists
Maggie Finnegan, Queen of the Night/1st Lady
Cristina Maria Castro, Pamina/Papageno/2nd Lady
Joanna Vladyka, 3rd Lady
Aaron Blake, Tamino
Mario Diaz Moresco, Papageno
Eric Einhorn, Narration
Candace Chien, Piano
Ginevra Petrucci and John Rumeri, Flute and Piccolo
ON SITE OPERA
PO Box 231480
New York, NY 10023
347-394-3050
Be sure to pre-register for future performances as seating is limited. For information, donations, and tickets, go to https://osopera.org/
Staff Contacts
Eric Einhorn, General & Artistic Director eric@osopera.org
Piper Gunnarson, Executive Director piper@osopera.org
Pooja Saha, Development Manager pooja@osopera.org
Emily Barber, Production Manager emily@osopera.org
Bowie Dunwoody, Marketing Manager bowie@osopera.org
Readers may also enjoy our reviews of The Park Avenue Chamber Symphony Immersive Experience, The Park Avenue Chamber Symphony Concerto Contest Winners, The On Site Opera presents Puccini’s Il Tabarro, MasterVoices presents Iolanthe at Carnegie Hall, and the Art Bath Salon Series.
