Mini Magic Flute

Opera North’s bitesize version of Mozart’s The Magic Flute returns to festivals and arts venues across the North this summer offering a fairy tale opera for all the family.

Mini Magic Flute packs fun, fantasy and enchanting music into a 40-minute story, making it perfect for all ages to experience their first taste of opera. A prince is in search of a princess, but will they ever find each other? What adventures lie in wait for them along the way? Led by a trio of singers and an accordionist, this interactive retelling of Mozart’s magical adventure features a host of fantastical characters, from a bird-catcher to a dragon, who encourage young audience members to assist them on their quest.

The mini opera returns to the stage following its success at the 2018 CBBC Summer Social, after which it toured alongside Opera North’s full production of The Magic Flute the following year.

For this revival, original writer and director John Savournin has worked with Rosie Kat and Bek Palmer to adapt the show for the company’s Little Listeners programme of family-friendly concerts, with performances across Yorkshire and the North West, including in Leeds, Doncaster, Ripon, York, Malton, Otley, Chester, Manchester, Barrow-in-Furness and Bradford.

Before each performance, youngsters are invited to take part in a craft session alongside their parents and carers where they will be helped to make a paper bird. These will then be used as part of the story and can be taken home afterwards as a momento of the event.

Jacqui Cameron, Opera North Director of Learning & Engagement, said: “The Magic Flute’s creative and imaginative story with its exciting blend of magic and adventure offers a lot for children to enjoy and appreciate, so we were keen to present an interactive version for a younger audience.

“As a Company, it is important to us that children experience opera at a young age as the exposure could be the spark that leads to a life-long love for the art-form. Young people are always amazed to hear an opera singer’s voice close-up and really respond to opera’s unique combination of music and drama.”

Mini Magic Flute will also be performed at Opera North’s partner schools and universities in Yorkshire. Tickets are available online with prices starting at just £5.

Little Listeners: Mini Magic Flute Performance Diary

CLOTHWORKERS CENTENARY CONCERT HALL, UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS

Sat 27 Jun 11.00am

Sat 27 Jun 1.30pm

CAST, DONCASTER

Sun 28 Jun 11.00am

Sun 28 Jun 1.00pm

RIPON FESTIVAL

Fri 10 Jul 5.00pm

HOWARD ASSEMBLY ROOM, LEEDS

Sat 11 Jul 11.00am

Sat 11 Jul 3.00pm

NATIONAL CENTRE FOR EARLY MUSIC, YORK

Sun 12 Jul 1.30pm

Sun 12 Jul 3.30pm

RYEDALE FESTIVAL

Sat 18 Jul 3.00pm

OTLEY COURTHOUSE

Sun 19 Jul 2.30pm

CHESTER STORYHOUSE

Sat 25 Jul 11.00am

Sat 25 Jul 2.30pm

STOLLER HALL, MANCHESTER

Sun 26 Jul Coming soon

Sun 26 Jul Coming soon

LAKE DISTRICT MUSIC FESTIVAL

Fri 31 Jul 11.00am

Fri 31 Jul 1.30pm

Fri 31 Jul 3.30pm

DARLEY STREET MARKET, BRADFORD

Sun 2 Aug 10.00am

Sun 2 Aug 12.00pm

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Header image: Mini Magic Flute CBBC Summer Social 2018 (Image: Mark McNulty)

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