Photo of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra performing The Magic Flute by Jen Ruff
The orchestra and chorus gave a top-notch show. Their lively Overture kicked off the night with strong energy that lasted the whole concert. The symphony chorus sang with power and clear notes to a full house at the fun Sunday matinee. As conductor Stéphane Denève wrote in the program notes, “It’s a fairy tale for children; it’s a philosophical opera for grown-ups. Whether you’re a Papageno or a Tamino, this opera speaks to you.” His love for the mix of laughs and deep ideas came through in his leading and the fine singing by a fresh cast at SLSO. Tenor Ben Bliss lit up the stage as the fun and clever Tamino, stuck in the magic clash between the Queen of the Night and Sarastro, Priest of the Sun. Grammy-winner baritone Will Liverman got big laughs as the clumsy bird catcher Papageno, who stole my heart after last season’s Requiem.
The Queen of the Night has just two big arias, but both stunned. Her Act II aria ranks as one of the most touching songs I’ve heard. Mozart sets Sarastro apart from the Queen with a bass voice full of noble strength. David Leigh played Sarastro with real power and kindness. Soprano Mei Gui Zhang won over the crowd with her voice and her heart. Her duets with Papageno and Tamino proved true vocal gems. The Queen’s Three Ladies—soprano Teresa Perrotta and mezzos Jennifer Feinstein and Daryl Freedman—brought joy with a funny Act I scene. Each chased attention while eyeing the passed-out Tamino. Their smooth voices in Mozart’s tight harmonies drew cheers and claps. Benji Chu, Jack Pitlyk, and Cooper Whitehorn from the St. Louis Children’s Choirs acted like pure angels in their parts.
This was an outstanding day to be at the theater. To get treated to a performance so full of emotion that takes the mind on a journey that feels relevantly touching despite being written over 235 years ago. The last piece of brilliance written by a then-35-year-old genius ending over 800 incredible works of art. Given all of that, it still felt relevant, making this piece one of my favorites I’ve seen. | Diane Ruff
SLSO performs “The Magic Flute” at Powell Hall. Photo by Jen Ruff.SLSO performs “The Magic Flute” at Powell Hall. Photo by Jen Ruff.SLSO performs “The Magic Flute” at Powell Hall. Photo by Jen Ruff.SLSO performs “The Magic Flute” at Powell Hall. Photo by Jen Ruff.SLSO performs “The Magic Flute” at Powell Hall. Photo by Jen Ruff.SLSO performs “The Magic Flute” at Powell Hall. Photo by Jen Ruff.SLSO performs “The Magic Flute” at Powell Hall. Photo by Jen Ruff.SLSO performs “The Magic Flute” at Powell Hall. Photo by Jen Ruff.SLSO performs “The Magic Flute” at Powell Hall. Photo by Jen Ruff.SLSO performs “The Magic Flute” at Powell Hall. Photo by Jen Ruff.SLSO performs “The Magic Flute” at Powell Hall. Photo by Jen Ruff.SLSO performs “The Magic Flute” at Powell Hall. Photo by Jen Ruff.SLSO performs “The Magic Flute” at Powell Hall. Photo by Jen Ruff.SLSO performs “The Magic Flute” at Powell Hall. Photo by Jen Ruff.SLSO performs “The Magic Flute” at Powell Hall. Photo by Jen Ruff.SLSO performs “The Magic Flute” at Powell Hall. Photo by Jen Ruff.SLSO performs “The Magic Flute” at Powell Hall. Photo by Jen Ruff.SLSO performs “The Magic Flute” at Powell Hall. Photo by Jen Ruff.SLSO performs “The Magic Flute” at Powell Hall. Photo by Jen Ruff.SLSO performs “The Magic Flute” at Powell Hall. Photo by Jen Ruff.SLSO performs “The Magic Flute” at Powell Hall. Photo by Jen Ruff.SLSO performs “The Magic Flute” at Powell Hall. Photo by Jen Ruff.SLSO performs “The Magic Flute” at Powell Hall. Photo by Jen Ruff.SLSO performs “The Magic Flute” at Powell Hall. Photo by Jen Ruff.SLSO performs “The Magic Flute” at Powell Hall. Photo by Jen Ruff.SLSO performs “The Magic Flute” at Powell Hall. Photo by Jen Ruff.SLSO performs “The Magic Flute” at Powell Hall. Photo by Jen Ruff.SLSO performs “The Magic Flute” at Powell Hall. Photo by Jen Ruff.SLSO performs “The Magic Flute” at Powell Hall. Photo by Jen Ruff.SLSO performs “The Magic Flute” at Powell Hall. Photo by Jen Ruff.SLSO performs “The Magic Flute” at Powell Hall. Photo by Jen Ruff.SLSO performs “The Magic Flute” at Powell Hall. Photo by Jen Ruff.SLSO performs “The Magic Flute” at Powell Hall. Photo by Jen Ruff.SLSO performs “The Magic Flute” at Powell Hall. Photo by Jen Ruff.SLSO performs “The Magic Flute” at Powell Hall. Photo by Jen Ruff.SLSO performs “The Magic Flute” at Powell Hall. Photo by Jen Ruff.SLSO performs “The Magic Flute” at Powell Hall. Photo by Jen Ruff.SLSO performs “The Magic Flute” at Powell Hall. Photo by Jen Ruff.SLSO performs “The Magic Flute” at Powell Hall. Photo by Jen Ruff.SLSO performs “The Magic Flute” at Powell Hall. Photo by Jen Ruff.SLSO performs “The Magic Flute” at Powell Hall. Photo by Jen Ruff.SLSO performs “The Magic Flute” at Powell Hall. Photo by Jen Ruff.SLSO performs “The Magic Flute” at Powell Hall. Photo by Jen Ruff.SLSO performs “The Magic Flute” at Powell Hall. Photo by Jen Ruff.SLSO performs “The Magic Flute” at Powell Hall. Photo by Jen Ruff.SLSO performs “The Magic Flute” at Powell Hall. Photo by Jen Ruff.SLSO performs “The Magic Flute” at Powell Hall. Photo by Jen Ruff.SLSO performs “The Magic Flute” at Powell Hall. Photo by Jen Ruff.SLSO performs “The Magic Flute” at Powell Hall. Photo by Jen Ruff.SLSO performs “The Magic Flute” at Powell Hall. Photo by Jen Ruff.Click to enlarge
