Being Geek Chic is a blog about one woman navigating the male-dominated industries of production and tech. It's written by Elizabeth Giorgi, Founder, CEO and Director of Mighteor - one of the world's first internet video production companies. Learn more about Mighteor here.
Imagine real life magic. In a flute. Or rather, in an opera about a magical flute! Seems a little confusing, I know. But in the spirit of trying new things from time to time around here - we share with you the experience of taking in an opera.
“The Magic Flute” is one of the world’s most beloved—and oldest—operas. The production opened with a flourish on a fantastic Friday evening in Vienna on September 30, 1791. It’s a timeless tale of love, purity and discipline triumphing over greed and vengefulness.
The melodies are familiar and the story has stood the test of time. Over 200 years later, we’re still experiencing the magic. Last Saturday night, thanks to the Minnesota Opera, I got to take in “The Magic Flute” via a charming production that evoked from the silent film era.
Throughout the performance, the main characters find strength and guidance in a magical flute. But while experiencing the Minnesota Opera’s rendition, I realized that there much more magic to be found in the tale than in just a fantastical woodwind instrument.
The traveling tour of the show may be making a stop near you, but for now, we share our specific experience here in Minnesota. The Minnesota Opera let audiences find magic in mixing the digital with the timeless. The entire production was accompanied by highly stylized and synchronized hand-drawn animation, which took nearly three years to create. The characters seamlessly (and with impeccable timing) interacted with their digital co-stars. The result was a whimsically visual fairytale setting.
It’s also striking and important to note that this animated wunderscape makes the whole experience much less traditional for people who haven’t considered an opera in the past. If you love a visual delight full of flourish and surprise, this may be the very reason you choose this opera over any other for your first time.
But by far the most magical element of the performance is Mozart’s dazzling score. All of the character, magic and drama from the opera comes from the music. From folk-like tunes to soaring arias in the most dramatic fashion, Mozart’s music has the ability to sweep audiences into a tale so fantastical and wild, it will surely be in performance for the next 200 years, and then some.
To everyone who thought opera was stodgy, antiquated or dull, take a chance and attend a performance. We have a hunch that you’ll find more magic than you may think.
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Photo credit: Dan Norman.
Post by Emma Bauer. Emma Bauer is a Being Geek Chic Contributor. Clearly, she’s got great taste. She is a PR enthusiast, dog lover, tea drinker, art appreciator, and of course, aspires to Be Geek Chic. Follow her on Twitter: @emmalynnbauer
