A CONVERSATION SERIES screening event, co-presented by BAY CHAMBER Concerts and Music School
This scintillating screen version of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s beloved opera showcases Ingmar Bergman’s deep knowledge of music and gift for expressing it cinematically. Casting some of Europe’s finest soloists—Josef Köstlinger, Ulrik Cold, Håkan Hagegård, and Birgit Nordin among them—the director lovingly recreated the baroque theater of Sweden’s Drottningholm Palace to stage the story of the prince Tamino and his zestful sidekick Papageno, who are sent on a mission to save a beautiful princess from the clutches of evil. A celebration of love and forgiveness that exhibits a profound appreciation for the artifice and spectacle of the theater, The Magic Flute is among the most exquisite opera films ever made.
Sweden | 1975 | 2h 18m
Directed by Ingmar Berman
Conversation with Tom Wolf and Manuel Bagorro
of Bay Chamber Concerts & Music School
The Magic Flute is among Manuel and Tom’s most favorite operas and for Tom (a flutist) it is particularly special given the magical role given to his instrument. In addition, this historic film is iconic. Originally produced for television in 1975, it is one of the first times a major film-maker (Ingmar Bergman) utilized the dramatic possibilities of film for an opera production. It is considered one of the greatest opera films of all time and it ushered in and influenced the wonderful video and film presentations that we enjoy today, including those from the Metropolitan Opera which are presented at the Strand.
Manuel Bagorro is the Artistic Director of Bay Chamber. Thomas Wolf is his predecessor, and was the principal flutist and company manager of the Goldovsky Opera Theater where he developed his love of opera.
