Published on Sep 19, 2026

Rating:

Genre: NCPA

Dates: November 24-29, 2026

Times: 7:30pm

Venue: Drama Theatre of NCPA

Prices: 280, 380, 480, 680, 880, 1080

Features: A Co-production by the NCPA and Opéra National de Bordeaux Mozart 's Die Zauberflöte will performing at Drama theatre of NCPA from November 24th-29th, 2026.

BRIEF INTRODUCTION

Die Zauberflöte was the last opera Mozart composed. It is not only one of his most outstanding works, but also a milestone in German-language opera. Written in 1791, the final year of Mozart's life, it drew on his immense creative passion even though he was living in poverty and plagued by illness at the time. Mozart was deeply fond of the work himself, and was still imagining its performance just hours before his death. Its libretto fuses fairy tale, myth, and Enlightenment thought — a fusion that has given rise to interpretive controversies that persist to this day. For example, Sarastro, who represents “light,” and the Queen of the Night, who represents “darkness”, do not embody a simple good-versus-evil binary; the tension between the music and the text is intricate, inviting scholars to explore a range of readings of the work's central ideas.

As an opera, the work contains a large amount of German dialogue. Mozart creatively combines the solemnity of Italian opera seria, the unpretentiousness of German folk song, and the agility of comedy, producing an extraordinarily rich musical language. The score includes many celebrated, much-loved set pieces — such as the Queen of the Night's dazzling coloratura aria “Der Hölle Rache kocht in meinem Herzen” (Hell’s vengeance boils in my heart), Papageno's cheerful folk-style “Der Vogelfänger bin ich ja” (The birdcatcher am I indeed), and Tamino's exquisite lyric arias — all of which display Mozart's melodic genius in full. Mozart makes extensive use of duets, trios, and even quintets, which are not only pleasing to the ear but also serve as a core means of advancing the plot and portraying the characters' personalities and their complex psychological conflicts.

The charm of Die Zauberflöte lies in its incomparable inclusiveness and complexity. It is at once a fairy tale about love, trial, and growth and an allegory rich in symbolism and philosophical reflection. Both children and adults can find enjoyment and food for thought on different levels, which is why it remains one of the most frequently performed operas in the world.

SYNOPSIS

Prince Tamino is attacked by a giant serpent in the forest and loses consciousness. He is rescued by three ladies serving the Queen of the Night. They show Tamino a portrait of the Queen’s daughter, Pamina, and he falls instantly in love with her. The Queen of the Night falsely claims that Pamina has been kidnapped by the “evil” High Priest Sarastro and promises Tamino that, if he rescues her daughter, Pamina will become his wife. She orders the bird-catcher Papageno to accompany him. The three ladies give Tamino a magic flute and Papageno a set of enchanted silver bells.

Tamino and Papageno set off separately in search of Pamina. Papageno finds her first and uses the magic bells to confuse and drive away Monostatos, one of Sarastro’s men. The two escape together, but are soon captured again by Monostatos. Meanwhile, guided by three mysterious spirits—messengers from the realm of Light—Tamino arrives at three temples representing Wisdom and Light: Reason, Nature, and Wisdom. There, he learns that Sarastro is not the evil man he was led to believe.

At last, Tamino and Pamina meet and fall deeply in love. They are then brought by Sarastro’s attendants to the temple, where they must undergo a series of purification trials. In the solemn temple, Sarastro reveals the truth: he took Pamina away to protect her from the influence of the Queen of the Night, whose world is consumed by darkness, and to guide her toward the Light.

Sarastro declares that if Tamino wishes to unite with Pamina and join the realm of Light, he must pass a series of trials—including trials of silence, water, and fire—to prove his courage, wisdom, and virtue. Tamino accepts without hesitation. Protected by the magic flute and supported by Pamina, he successfully endures every difficult trial.

The most crucial is the Trial of Silence. At one point, Tamino’s refusal to speak to Pamina breaks her heart. But when the misunderstanding is finally resolved, their love emerges stronger than ever.

Papageno, meanwhile, is determined to find a partner of his own. He fails the Trial of Silence, but with the help of the enchanted bells, he ultimately gets his wish and finds his beloved Papagena, bringing a comic touch to the story.

The Queen of the Night and her accomplice Monostatos attempt to destroy the temple, but are defeated by Sarastro and the forces of Light, disappearing into darkness amid thunder. Tamino and Pamina are finally united in the Light. Sarastro declares that they have successfully completed their trials and welcomes them into the realm of Light. All join in celebrating the eternal triumph of wisdom, virtue, and love.

Tickets for Mozart's Opera Die Zauberflöte are Available now!