Picoplat revives Magic Flute opera

The Magic Flute follows the exciting story of the Prince Tamino and the comedic bird catcher Papageno as they try to rescue the Princess Pamina, daughter of the Queen of the Night, who has been kidnapped by the mysterious sorcerer Sarastro, but all is not as it appears.

This opera is one of the most famous and popular throughout the world and is a brilliant introduction to and opera for young audiences as it features an engaging storyline, vocal pyrotechnics and catchy music.

A special gala performance will take place on June 30, a media release stated.

All other performances of the opera will take place as scheduled on the official festival calendar (ttoperafest.com) with open seating available to patrons at a general admission ticket of $200.

Ticket specials for students, seniors and groups are available on the official festival website.

Magic flute will be one of several events and activities, which will take place over the two weeks of the opera festival, the focus of which will be young, Trinbagonian classical singers.

The festival will be held at the newly-opened auditorium at the Government Plaza, corner of Richmond and Queen Streets in Port of Spain.

The Magic Flute will be directed by Dr Helmer Hilwig with costuming by Margaret Sheppard and musical direction by June Nathaniel and feature flutist Martina Chow, percussionist Demika Lawrence and NYC-based pianist Byron Burford- Phearse.

This abridged version of the opera will be performed in English by an award-winning cast which will include Natalia Dopwell, Rory Wallace and Raguel Gabriel, Tamika Diandra- Joseph, Jason Lawrence, Krisson Joseph, Shellon Antoine, Shannon Navarro, Sabrina Marks and Maegan Pollonais.

A Young Singer Professional Development workshop will be held on July 1 from 1pm to 6pm for anyone interested in participating. Six to eight advanced tertiary- level singers will perform in an audition scenario in front of a live audience and a panel of internationally- trained members of the Picoplat Young Artist Collective. They will provide constructive feedback on their audition materials and presentation, with the aim of improving the understanding of audition standards.

This event is free to participants and audience members and is suitable for anyone interested in improving audition materials or finding out current industry protocols for college, musical theatre or cruise ship performer auditions.

Young Singer Series will culminate in a showcase performance on July 8 from 7.30pm featuring participants of the Young Singer Workshop alongside members of the Picoplat Young Artist Collective.

The TT Opera Festival along with other developmental outreach events, is presented with the support of the Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the Arts.

To learn more about the TT Opera Festival 2017, visit the website www.ttoperafest.com, email ttoperafest@ gmail.com or call 632-2548 for further information about events and the many discount ticket opportunities! Opera Festival highlights • Gala Red Carpet opening night, The Magic Flute - June 30 at 7.30pm.

• Young Singer Workshop - July 1, 1pm to 6pm.

• Early Matinee performance, The Magic Flute - July 2 at 4pm.

• Opera Festival outreach (by invitation to schools only) - July 4 • #OperaLime special event, The Magic Flute - July 7 at 7.30pm.

• The Young Singer Showcase - July 8, at 7.30pm.

• Closing Night matinee performance, The Magic Flute - July 9 at 6pm.