Livermore, CA – The Livermore Valley Opera (LVO), a cornerstone of the Tri-Valley’s vibrant arts scene, is set to captivate audiences with its rendition of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” at the Bankhead Theater. This marks the commencement of the company’s 32nd season, promising a spellbinding experience for all ages, commencing on March 2nd with a total of four performances.
“The Magic Flute” unfolds the tale of Prince Tamino and Princess Pamina as they embark on a mesmerizing journey in pursuit of truth, love, beauty, and enlightenment. This unique fairy tale, performed in English, seamlessly weaves together sung and spoken words. Prince Tamino, chased by a dragon into a fantastical realm, enlists the help of three mysterious ladies to rescue the enchanting Pamina, daughter of the Queen of the Night, from the formidable Sarastro. Assisted by the bird-catcher Papageno, Tamino discovers that appearances can be deceiving. The opera, Mozart’s crowning achievement, boasts stunning music and memorable arias, creating a tapestry of fanciful characters.
Stage Director Yefim Maizel, with over 30 years of opera experience, including productions at the Metropolitan Opera and San Francisco Opera, will guide a talented principal cast. Erie Mills, LVO Artistic Director, expresses excitement about Maizel’s return, noting his ability to transform opera into storytelling at its finest.
The stellar cast includes Soprano Phoebe Chee as Pamina, tenor Nathan Bryon as Tamino, Soprano Shawnetter Sulker as Queen of the Night, tenor Alex DeSocio as Papageno, and bass Kirk Eichelberger as the malevolent Sarastro. Erie Mills emphasizes the selection of “The Magic Flute” due to its greatness and the collaborative efforts that contribute to LVO’s growing reputation in the Bay Area.
Heralded as “one of Singapore’s most promising young sopranos,” Phoebe Chee brings her vocal prowess to the Livermore stage. Australian tenor Nathan Bryon, currently studying at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, enriches the performance with his award-winning oratorio experience.
The production also features Alex DeSocio, praised for his “buttery, booming baritone,” alongside returning LVO artist Shawnette Sulker, lauded for her controlled soprano and well-placed coloratura. Bass Kirk Eichelberger, known for commanding the stage with his resonant bass, will once again grace the LVO stage.
The performances, complemented by the LVO orchestra under the direction of Music Director Alexander Katsman, promise a captivating blend of drama, comedy, and visually stunning elements. Mills emphasizes the family-friendly nature of the opera, performed in English to make it accessible to a broad audience.
Performance Details for “The Magic Flute” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart:
- March 2, 7:30 p.m. (Opening night)
- March 3, 2 p.m.
- March 9, 7:30 p.m.
- March 10, 2 p.m.
Venue: Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore
Ticket Pricing:
Adults: $20-$105
Special pricing: $20 for those 20 and younger, $40 for ages 21 to 40
Tickets are available Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. This production promises to be a splendid evening of music and storytelling for the entire family.
