UT Tyler Presents Opera

March 22, 2016

UT Tyler Office of Marketing and Communications

UT Tyler to Present Children’s Opera ‘The Magic Flute’

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March 22, 2016

Media Contact:  Hannah Buchanan
Editor/Writer–Strategic Communications & Media Relations
Marketing and Communications
The University of Texas at Tyler
903.539.7196 (cell)

The University of Texas at Tyler School of Performing Arts will present performances of W.A. Mozart's "The Magic Flute" in the UT Tyler R. Don Cowan Fine and Performing Arts Center, Dr. Michael Thrasher, school director, announced.

Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 1 and 9 a.m. Monday, April 4. Tickets are $2 each, and a special group rate for schools is available. Doors will open one hour prior to each performance, and seating will begin 30 minutes prior. For tickets or more information, email Maria Ogburn, UT Tyler professor and opera assistant, mogburn@uttyler.edu. Tickets also will be available at the door.

"This production, which lasts just short of an hour, will be in English and is suitable for both the young and young at heart. Please join us for this delightful classic," said Ogburn, who also is in charge of costume and set design.

UT Tyler student performers are Austin Goswick and Paula Contois, both of Athens, Jadyn Holt of Lindale, Athena Hammond of Kilgore, Atteona Ware of Desoto, Alexis Leyva of Houston, Taylor McNatt of Texarkana, Clarence Schwarz of San Antonio, Emeline Rose of Whitehouse, Brandon Elliott of Van and Justin Forward and Eric Ware, both of Tyler. Three UT Tyler professors also performing in the show are Ogburn, Vandy Dubre and Steven Dotson.

"The Magic Flute" is an imaginary story in ancient times, in Egypt. Prince Tamino is attacked by a big serpent, but three ladies who are the servants of the Queen of the Night save him. The ladies show him a portrait of the queen's daughter, Pamina, and Tamino falls in love with her even though he has not even met her. The Queen of the Night promises her daughter to him, if he can rescue Pamina, who is enslaved by the evil Sarastro. Tamino decides to rescue her, and he is given a magic flute by the three lady servants. Papageno, who is a bird catcher, incidentally follows Tamino, and he is also given magic bells by the ladies.

By the power of the magic flute and bells, Tamino finally gets to meet Pamina. They fall in love with each other immediately. In fact, Sarastro is not an evil man, but a high priest. He has protected Pamina from her mother who is filled with ambition to dominate the world. Sarastro imposes three tests on Tamino to get his lover, Pamina. They can overcome these tests through the power of the magic flute.

For additional information, contact Dr. Sooah Park, director of opera and musical theater, 903.566.7088 or spark@uttyler.edu or call 903.566.7490.

One of the 14 campuses of the UT System, UT Tyler features excellence in teaching, research, artistic performance and community service. More than 80 undergraduate and graduate degrees are available at UT Tyler, which has an enrollment of more than 8,500 high-ability students. UT Tyler offers courses at its campuses in Tyler, Longview and Palestine as well as a location in Houston.