by InTrieste
In the grand tradition of adapting the world’s greatest operas for modern audiences, the Teatro Verdi of Trieste brings a reimagined one-act version of The Magic Flute, a masterpiece of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Running from November 12 to December 24, this production seeks to bridge classical art with youthful imagination, transforming the beloved opera into a magical, approachable journey suited for both school-aged children and adult opera enthusiasts.
The condensed adaptation, titled Il Flauto Magico, unfolds under the creative vision of Triestine artist Andrea Binetti, who not only crafted the libretto adaptation but also directs, designs the set, and curates costumes. Known for his artistic versatility, Binetti brings the character of Papageno to life as both a whimsical bird-catcher and a narrator, guiding audiences through Mozart’s intricate web of symbolism, moral allegories, and fantastical elements. His talents, honed over years in Italian theater, make this production an accessible delight, resonating with fans of classical opera and newcomers alike.
Adding a fresh layer to this timeless score is Paola Magnanini, a rising star in Italian composition and orchestration, who, at 26, has already earned a reputation for her nuanced musical arrangements across Italy’s prestigious venues. Known for recent orchestrations such as Pauline Viardot’s Cendrillon, performed in Italy’s top opera houses, Magnanini’s work infuses The Magic Flute with a dynamic, contemporary sound that preserves Mozart’s original magic while making it feel fresh and accessible to younger audiences.
The cast includes celebrated Italian tenor Francesco Scalas as the hero Tamino, with Veronika Foia, an exceptional Ukrainian soprano and refugee now residing in Italy’s Friuli region, in the role of Papagena. Foia’s performance promises to be a highlight, having garnered acclaim in Luciano Berio’s Magnificat during Trieste’s 2023 symphonic season. Hungarian violinist and soprano Patricia Daniela Fodor shines as Pamina, following her success in Le Nozze di Figaroat the Teatro Comunale di Bologna. Rustem Eminov takes on the powerful role of Sarastro, while Trieste’s beloved Giacomo Segulia rounds out the cast with his dual performance as Monostatos and the Three Ladies, adding his signature touch of charm and playfulness.
Directing the orchestra is Maestro Stefano Furini, Teatro Verdi’s veteran concertmaster, whose deep understanding of the symphony’s nuances promises a memorable musical experience. Teatro Verdi’s orchestra and technical crew bring further polish to this production, which has already generated significant anticipation among Trieste’s opera fans.
With this unique adaptation, Teatro Verdi intends to reinvigorate the cultural scene and engage younger audiences. A well-curated schedule of matinees ensures accessibility for school groups, while evening performances invite broader audiences to experience this engaging rendition of Mozart’s The Magic Flute. Teatro Verdi offers an affordable pricing structure, with tickets set at €10 and discounted rates for under-18s and school groups at €5, underscoring the theater’s commitment to making opera an inclusive art form.
As Trieste’s historic Teatro Verdi continues its educational series, The Magic Flute sets the stage for a season filled with cultural enrichment and enduring charm, affirming Mozart’s influence on the next generation of opera-goers.
