14-26 Feb 2005. Covent Garden is reviving the 2003 version of Mozart's Die Zauberflte (The Magic Flute). It is a popular opera that combines magic, deceit, love and mysticism. Some see this opera as a Masonic allegory, others just a comedy of cosmic proportions. The opera tells the story of young Prince Tamino who is trying to woo the beautiful Pamina, but her mother the Queen of the Night, keeps her under close guard. The wizard Sarastro tests the lovers to see if they are sincere and they succeed in passing the trial by fire and water. The role of Tamino is sung by Will Hartmann and that of Pamina by Rebecca Evans. The conductor is Charles Mackerras, a specialist in Mozartian opera who has now reached the distinguished age of 80. Sung in German with English subtitles, running time is 3 hours.

Showing on 14, 16, 21, 23 and 28 February at 19:30, on 26 February at 19:00, on 3 and 4 March at 19:30.