Vancouver Sun: Magic Flute behind the scenes with First Nations emphasis

Great article today in the Vancouver Sun's West Coast Life section.  They do a sneak preview behind the scenes look at the new Magic Flute production by the Vancouver Opera.  This is remarkable, because the Vancouver Opera really invited First Nations artists and consultants to become collaborators in presenting this unique re-imagining of one of the world's most famous operas.

The opera has always had a strong mythological theme, and is now set in this land of Haida, Salish and 8 other West Coast First Nations peoples.  I saw the 45 minute version that was abridged and adapted for the Vancouver Opera Touring Ensemble which travels to BC schools.  It was incredible.  They even played to audiences on First Nations Reserves, to great response.

A nice surprise was to see a picture of Gene Wu, who I last saw in Vancouver Opera's Touring production of Naomi's Road.  There is lots of diversity in the casting as soprano Hwang Sin Nyang takes on the Queen of the Night role.

Two tickets for the Magic Flute (value $200) are up for grabs at the January 28th, Gung Haggis Fat Choy Dinner as part of our prize raffle.