How
to Join
The Magic Flute
On Saturday, September 27, 2008 the public was invited to view an exceptional 2006 performance by the Met of Mozart's 'The Magic Flute' at the University of Maine in Orono. Adults and children of all ages were invited to attend this for FREE with announcements made both by our website as well as in Bangor area newspapers. Attendance was reduced and our planned second performance was cancelled as a hurricaine approached Maine for the first time in 17 years. Nevertheless, those attending could not help but be impressed by the outstanding costuming with the work, performed in English, which teaches some timeless lessons infused with Masonic symbolism and the concepts of Brotherhood.
This 2 hour adaption by Julie Taymor (compared to the normal 3 1/2) was through special arrangement and is believed to have been unique. Designed to enlighten and enrich our community, it was extremely well received by all attendees. It was an exceptional kick off for our year long study of Mozart and of music, the sixth of the seven liberal arts and sciences which Freemasons are encouraged to study.
Books and videos on Mozart and Freemasonry were available at below-retail cost. In addition, a drawing was held with the winner receiving four tickets to the upcoming live performance of The Magic Flute at the Merrill Auditorium in Portland, dinner, and a tack of gasoline. There were also two additional drawing winners: a young teen received a DVD of the movie 'Amadeus' while a very young man received a CD of Mozart's opera designed exclusively for children.
Freemasonry is about not only self-enrichment and brotherhood but sharing with our communities. We are pleased that so many were able to join us in this very unique event.
More information:
The Metropolitan Opera makes available some of its most prized performances free via the internet in their Saturday Matinee program series. This is a truly exceptional opportunity to enhance your understanding of fine arts. You can find all of the information right here.
In addition, the Met has now added this outstanding performance to its annual Holiday schedule. If you're fortunate enough to be able to travel to New York in the latter part of December (or for New Year's), you may want to check their schedule here.
Regrefully, the DVD for the performance we viewed is not yet available publicly. A link to the Amazon item is here and if you purchase items from that source you may want to add this to your wish list. Anyone seeing it will agree that it was just GREAT!
Looking for more information about this opera? Click here for a simplified synopsis. It's a program that will be enjoyed by both adults and children.
Want to learn more about Mozart the Freemason, there's some great information right here.