Experience the world-class Royal Ballet of the UK on the stage of the Royal Opera House as if you were there, right in your local cinema, with "Royal Ballet & Opera in Cinema." This series screens carefully selected popular works from a vast repertoire, allowing you to enjoy innovative and dramatic productions on the big screen with powerful sound.

"Royal Ballet & Opera in Cinema 2025/26" will be released nationwide for a limited one-week run for each of its 9 productions, from December 19, 2025 (Fri) to July 9, 2026 (Thu). The series will finally conclude with the Royal Opera's 'The Magic Flute,' starting July 3 (Fri).

A Gem of Entertainment, 'The Magic Flute,' Revived with McVicar's Direction

Introducing its charms in full, with commentary from journalist/music, film, and musical navigator Ryo Ishikawa!

'The Magic Flute,' created by 18th-century composer Mozart in his late years, was not intended as a high-brow "opera" for the court, but rather as a "Singspiel" (musical play) for the general public. Unlike operas composed entirely of singing, it progresses through a story interspersed with dialogue and songs, making it accessible and akin to modern musicals. This production, popular since its premiere in 2003, allows audiences to fully appreciate the charm of this "Singspiel." The direction is by Scottish director David McVicar. Mr. Ishikawa describes the work as, "A piece full of laughter and humor that can be enjoyed by everyone, from adults to children, not just classical music fans, but also lovers of film, theater, and musicals."

The film 'Amadeus,' which depicts the rivalry between Mozart and Antonio Salieri, features a memorable scene where Mozart is simultaneously composing 'The Magic Flute' and 'Requiem' in his later years. In the film, impresario Emanuel Schikaneder commissions Mozart to "create a fantastical work that will please the audience." 'The Magic Flute' is a perfect embodiment of these words. Mr. Ishikawa shares its appeal, saying, "A fantastical adventure story unfolds, with a giant serpent appearing and a magic flute and magic bells saving Tamino and Papageno from danger." It is packed with famous melodies that everyone has heard at least once, such as "How Beautiful is the Picture" where Tamino falls in love upon seeing Pamina's portrait, "I Am a Bird Catcher" featuring Papageno, and the most famous aria of this work, the Queen of the Night's "The Vengeance of Hell Burns in My Heart."

Furthermore, the singers possess both natural dialogue delivery and exceptional vocal skills, with transitions from speech to song being remarkably smooth. The narrative flow through song and acting is very natural. Tamino is played by Amitai Pati, a Samoan-New Zealander tenor. Lucy Crowe, a British lyric soprano who covers repertoire from Baroque to contemporary music, plays Pamina. Papageno is portrayed by Hugh Montague Rendall, a young baritone from the Royal Academy of Music. The Queen of the Night, who leaves a strong impression despite her limited stage time, is played by one of the world's leading coloratura sopranos, Kathryn Lewek. The conductor is Marie Jacquot, a Paris-born conductor and a promising young talent serving as the principal conductor of the Royal Danish Opera, whose dynamic conducting is also a must-see.

2026 marks the 270th anniversary of Mozart's birth. We hope you will experience 'The Magic Flute,' his most "entertaining" masterpiece, a gem of an opera that allows you to savor its charms in the best possible way, on the grand screen of the theater.

Ryo Ishikawa (Journalist/Music, Film, and Musical Navigator) Full Commentary on 'The Magic Flute' is Here

<Royal Opera's 'The Magic Flute' Production Information>

【STORY】

Prince Tamino is attacked by a giant serpent and rescued by the Queen of the Night's three ladies-in-waiting, who entrust him with the mission of rescuing their mistress's daughter, Pamina. Tamino embarks on a journey with the bird catcher Papageno, heading to Sarastro's temple, relying on the magic flute and silver bells given to him by three boys. However, Sarastro, initially perceived as an enemy, is actually a figure who values wisdom and virtue. To be united with Pamina, Tamino accepts the trial of <Silence>, and together with her, they overcome the trials of <Fire> and <Water> to be welcomed into Sarastro's community. Papageno also finds his suitable partner, Papagena. The vengeful Queen of the Night plots to overthrow Sarastro but fails, and in the end, light and wisdom triumph.

《The Magic Flute》 Full 2 Acts

Music: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Libretto: Emanuel Schikaneder

Conductor: Marie Jacquot

Director: David McVicar

Revival Director: Ruth Knight

Set and Costume Design: John Macfarlane

Lighting Design: Paul Constable

Choreography: Leah Hausman

Revival Choreography: Angelo Smimmo

Royal Opera Chorus (Chorus Master: William Spaulding)

Orchestra of the Royal Opera House (Concertmaster: Sergey Levitin)

<Cast>

Pamina: Lucy Crowe

Tamino: Amitai Pati

Papageno: Hugh Montague Rendall

Queen of the Night: Kathryn Lewek

Sarastro: Soloman Howard

Monostatos: Gerhard Siegel

Papagena: Marianna Hovanissian

July 3 (Fri) - July 9 (Thu) TOHO CINEMAS NIHONBASHI, and other cinemas for a limited one-week release

Official Website: http://tohotowa.co.jp/roh/

Official X: https://x.com/rbocinema

Distributor: Toho Towa

#RBO魔笛

"Royal Ballet & Opera in Cinema 2025/26" Season Trailer

'The Magic Flute' Trailer

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