Opera San José is gearing up to open its upcoming season with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's beloved opera, The Magic Flute. This production promises to be particularly special, as it will be conducted by the young prodigy Alma Deutscher, who is making waves not only as a talented composer but also as one of the youngest conductors to take on such a significant role at only 19 years old.
The Magic Flute has long been favored by audiences, especially among teenagers and young adults, thanks to its engaging storyline filled with humor and enchanting characters. The opera follows Tamino, a dashing prince, on his quest to rescue the clever princess Pamina, who is held captive. Accompanied by Papageno, the whimsical bird-catcher, Tamino's adventure is filled with fantastical encounters, including birds, serpents, demons, and much more.
One of the most iconic moments of the opera is delivered by the Queen of the Night, who demands her daughter Pamina eliminate the high priest Sarastro. Her operatic aria, “Hell’s vengeance boils in my heart,” showcases not just the vocal power required but also the drama and complexity woven throughout the tale.
Taking on the role of Tamino is tenor Juan Carlos Tello, who recently had the opportunity to fulfill his dream of performing this role at the prestigious Miami Beach Classical Music Festival. With the help of Harpur College's Dean’s Graduate Investment Initiative funding, Tello, originally from Mexico City, underwent intensive training, including five-hour rehearsals followed by voice lessons.
Tello expressed his gratitude, stating, “The summer program is very prestigious and gathers many opera students from around the country and the world. I was able to go there and sing my first leading role.” This experience has not only helped him evolve as a singer but also provided him with invaluable networking opportunities with colleagues from various stages of their careers.
Previously, Tello has performed at various platforms, such as the Savannah Voice Festival and as part of the Binghamton University Orchestra. His impressive resume has also earned him recognition, recently placing first at the northeast competition held by the National Association of Teachers of Singing.
Beyond his role as Tamino, Tello is enthusiastic about continuing his operatic career and wishes to perform other dream roles like Nemorino from Donizetti's The Elixir of Love. He remarked, “One of the best things about doing festivals is getting to know people from around the country,” emphasizing the fantastic mix of ages and experiences he encountered during his time at the festival.
The fusion of talented performers like Tello alongside the artistic direction of Deutscher makes this upcoming season of The Magic Flute something to look forward to. The opera not only entertains but also engages audiences with its themes of love, vengeance, and the larger philosophical inquiries wrapped up within its fairytale structure.
So, for those eager to explore the whimsical world of Mozart, the upcoming production will not only be orchestrated masterfully under the baton of Deutscher but will also showcase fresh talent and passion, promising viewers nothing short of exhilarating entertainment.
