By Leslie Black
Opera Grand Rapids
Opera Grand Rapids’ production of The Magic Flute coming to DeVos Performance Hall, Friday, Oct. 26, and Saturday Oct. 27, is a shining introduction to opera for all ages. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart uses music to tell an allegorical tale about goodness, enlightened human rationality and equality. It’s an opportunity to bask in Mozart’s genius.
A Singspiel, “sung play,” The Magic Flute incorporates both singing and spoken word. Akin to today’s Broadway musicals it combines comedy, charade and romance. This opera contains some of the most spirited and beautiful music of all time, sung in English so that everyone can follow the story.
Opera Grand Rapids’ production is a feast for both eyes and ears. Dramatic sets, costumes and vibrant projected backgrounds by Michael Baumgarten give life to Mozart’s masterful composition. Opera Grand Rapids Chorus and the Grand Rapids Symphony are led by Opera Grand Rapids’ Artistic Director and Conductor Maestro James Meena.
Meena’s conducting has been called “awe-inspiring” (Voix des Arts of Mo), “spot on,” and, “the best I’ve ever heard” (Opera Magazine). Meena serves as Artistic Director for Opera Grand Rapids and Opera Carolina, as well as, Toledo Opera’s Principal Artistic Advisor. In addition, Meena travels America and abroad as a guest conductor.
Internationally acclaimed stage director James Marvel is directing this production of The Magic Flute coming to DeVos Performance Hall, Friday, Oct. 26, and Saturday, Oct. 27. Marvel has been praised for his, “brilliant stage direction,” and his, “unforgettable and visually stunning new productions.” Marvel debuted in Lincoln Center in 2008 and Carnegie Hall in 2011. For this this splendid production, Marvel chose a light-hearted, comedic approach and explores the rich symbolism in Mozart’s beloved and iconic opera.
Opera Grand Rapids’ The Magic Flute boasts a regional and nationally-acclaimed principal cast. New York native John Viscardi, a rising baritone, acknowledged for his diversity of vocal repertoire, is the happy-go-lucky bird catcher Papageno. Superb American coloratura Jana McIntyre is the star-blazing Queen of the Night.
“The Queen of the Night is only onstage for 15 minutes – total! But she has two of the most exceptional and iconic arias in the repertoire.” said Meena. “Jana is a rising star in the opera universe and just like the Queen herself, will ascend the heavens with her thrilling singing.”
Meena may be bringing the brightest of opera’s rising stars to the Opera Grand Rapids’ stage, yet audiences will appreciate the level of talent from the locally-based chorus and comprimari.
Chrissy Amon, as Second Lady, is a Grand Rapids native, a versatile mezzo-soprano excelling in opera, musical theater, and art song. Laura Broscow, as First Boy, is a soprano with her master’s degree in vocal performance from Michigan State University under the tutelage of Jane Bunnell.
“This region boasts several excellent universities that are educating the next generation of opera artist and musicians.” said Meena, “In many ways, they shape the cultural life of our region in a way that is profound. For Opera Grand Rapids, it is a true blessing to have so many gifted performers who are part of our community.”
The Magic Flute is an opera for all, filled with international stars and amazing local talent alongside Opera Grand Rapids Chorus that is beginning to make waves.
Call Opera Grand Rapids box office, 616-451-2741, ext 103, to order tickets today.
