Elmar Gilbertsson

Die Zauberflöte is one of Mozart’s most famous works and one of the most beloved of the entire operatic repertoire. Generations of spectators have been fascinated by the melodies and adventures of Papageno, the Queen of the Night, Tamino, and Pamina, the ordeals faced by the young lovers, and the work’s inexhaustible allegorical depth. The director Romeo Castellucci has deliberately stepped back from the narrative dimension of the opera in order to explore its raw emotion and its philosophical heart. For his part, the conductor Antonello Manacorda brings Mozart’s immortal music to life with the help of an outstanding cast that includes Sabine Devieilhe, one of today’s finest interpreters of the Queen of the Night.

Giving up her life of parties and wealthy lovers, a Parisian courtesan decides to settle down with her young admirer. But his provincial family is determined to break up the scandalous affair. Filled with passionate and beautiful music – including the famous duets ‘Libiamo ne’ lieti calici’ and ‘Un dì, felice, eterea’ – it’s easy to see why Verdi’s tragedy about a fallen woman has become the most popular opera of our time. Prix de la critique Claude Rostand winner Oriol Tomas directs this new production at Icelandic Opera.

On a mission to Afghanistan, a military officer suffers a traumatic period in captivity. When he finally returns home, he finds his relationship with his family has changed forever. Icelandic composer Daníel Bjarnason and Danish director Kasper Holten transform Susanne Bier’s film Brødre into a captivating and vivid opera. Written to celebrate Aarhus as European Capital of Culture 2017, Bjarnason now conducts his bold domestic drama in his homeland for the first time.

Since it's premiere in a tiny suburban theatre in Vienna, Die Zauberflote has delighted audiences young and old for over 200 years. Mozart's Singspiel seamlessly alternates seriousness and jollity, and combines philosophical ideas with a fairytale world of wondrous animals and magical musical instruments. Emanuel Schikaneder's original production was theatrically inventive, and this new interpretation from director Simon McBurney emulates that in fresh and current terms. Fusing music, technology and stagecraft, this exciting production gives Die Zauberflote a refreshing new treatment that is both thrilling and simple in it's approach. Following an overwhelming success on stage, McBurney's unique production received five-star reviews in the Dutch press: 'a feast for the eyes and the ears' (Het Parool) and 'Delicious!' (Trouw).