Faculty of Fine Arts
Music

Take an evil queen, one scary monster, three little genies, a lovely princess and a handsome prince, and then combine with the University of Lethbridge Opera Workshop and Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra, and the result is a memorable evening of entertainment for the whole family.

Premiered more than 220 years ago in Vienna, Mozart’s The Magic Flute captures the timeless struggle between good and evil. “The story portrays the education of mankind, progressing from chaos and superstition to rationalistic enlightenment,” explains Dr. Blaine Hendsbee, U of L Opera Workshop Director. “The story takes place on two levels. One is earthier and quite vaudevillian as Papageno longs for love. The other is loftier and embodies the ideals of truth, virtue and noble love portrayed by the love story of Prince Pamina and Prince Tamino."

The Magic Flute has a mix of singing and spoken dialogue performed in English.  "Using English helps audiences understand what's going on so they get the subtle nuances and all the jokes," says Hendsbee, who has streamlined it by editing the opera from its original three hours down to two making it even more family friendly.

“We are thrilled to be working with the LSO,” he adds. “This is our second collaboration with the Symphony and our first using a full Mozart era orchestra." Glenn Klassen, LSO Music Director is also pleased with the arrangement. He says, “Working together on this Mozart masterpiece enables us to do things we could not do individually. When we join forces everyone including the community wins!”

The students get to perform with a live orchestra. “Usually we use a pianist or small chamber ensemble for our performances,” says Hendsbee. “Singing with a full orchestra is an amazing opportunity for undergraduate students. It provides a whole difference experience for them, and brings different textures and emotional interest to the vocal lines. It is exciting to sing the opera the way it was intended to be sung."

The cast of 18 includes music majors, U of L Master of Music candidate Rachel Sinnott, U of L music alumni Joseph Bulman and Audrina Steciw, both of whom have recently completed Master of Music degrees and music Professor Emeritus George Evelyn.

Audiences enjoy an enhanced operatic experience with the addition of the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra, which is made up of community musicians, music faculty, and students. “The variety of colours and complexity of the soundscape provided by the 30 musicians keeps the audience engaged and provides them with a richer more multi-faceted experience,” says Klassen. “And, of course, musicians love performing Mozart’s music.” Hendsbee adds, “The orchestra creates more complex moods and sensations for both singers and audiences."

Staging a full length opera is a massive undertaking that involves countless hours of behind the scene work by costume designers, set designers, lighting experts, the stage director, and stage manager as well as musicians, vocalists and conductors, to create the spectacle audiences enjoy.  "Opera uses so many different elements of music and theatre that it is commonly regarded as the most complex art form," says Hendsbee.

U of L professor Leslie Robison-Greene designed the costumes. "She used influences from the styles of the Classical Enlightenment period of Mozart's time - about 1790," explained Hendsbee. "There'll be lots of colour and textures with courtly gowns for the ladies and gentlemen in frock coats and high leather boots. And just wait until you see the Queen of the Night and the exotic half-bird half-man character of Papageno!"

The set was designed by drama major Vicki Moser under the direction of professor Jim Wills. "Vicki designed and built the set as a project for her portfolio," says Hendsbee. "She created tall classical pillars in various shapes and angles that get moved into different formations throughout the production." The lighting is designed by David Hignell with equipment provided by the university.

Presenting an opera in Southminster United Church has its own challenges.  The stage must accommodate the action, singers, and musicians. "Having the orchestra on stage means they are totally connected and drawn into the action, which makes it a more fulfilling experience for them," says Klassen. "However it is less than ideal for me because I'm sandwiched with the orchestra in front of me and the vocalists behind me, closer to the audience.  It's not perfect but the good news is the sound will fill the hall." Hendsbee agrees about the acoustics. "Audiences can enjoy unamplified singers in a friendly acoustic space," he says.

Another bit of good news is that Mozart's The Magic Flute is just the beginning. Both Klassen and Hendsbee hint that there will be more collaborations between the Opera Workshop and the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra in the future. According to Klassen, "This is all great news for local audiences."

Get your tickets from the Ticket Centre, 1002 – 4 Ave. S., 403-329-7328
Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 11 am – 6 pm, Saturday: Noon – 4 pm
Ticket prices range by section ($60, $47, $28, and $15)
No tickets are sold at the door.

Special advance $10 student ticket (call 403-328-6808)