Nederlandse Reisopera faces the music and produces a most memorable Magic Flute

The young Austrian tenor David Kerber with his magic flute © Marco Borggreve
The young Austrian tenor David Kerber with his magic flute © Marco Borggreve
Sometimes in life, even the best laid plans do not work as expected. This was the case for the Nederlandse Reisopera in their latest production of Mozart’s The Magic Flute, a co-production with Volksoper, Vienna.
The Wilminktheater, Enschede looking fabulous all in red © Clare Varney
The Wilminktheater, Enschede looking fabulous all in red © Clare Varney
The three ladies,Kristina Bitenc, Polly Leach and Anna Traub
The three ladies, Kristina Bitenc, Polly Leach and Anna Traub, with David Kerber as Tamino © Marco Borggreve

The cast were amazing. David Kerber, the young Austrian tenor as Tamino, was a revelation. Exuding confidence beyond his years – he is just 23 – this young Austrian’s debut performance in the role was a triumph. Kerber’s huge vocal range, commanding presence, and sophisticated acting skills made him a clever and bold choice for the role. 

The boys' had us all scared when instructing Papageno for one last time to be quiet! © Clare Varney
The boys from the Münchner Knabenchor, coached by Ralph Ludewig, their Musical Director, scared us all when instructing Papageno for one last time to be quiet! © Clare Varney
Sophia Theodories as the Queen of the Night executed all those ludicrously high notes with ease
Sophia Theodories as the Queen of the Night executed all those ludicrously high notes with ease © Marco Borggreve
The Lithuanian bass, Modestas Sedlevicius with German soprano, Isabel Weller
The Lithuanian bass-baritone with the German soprano, Isabel Weller © Marco Borggreve
The cast
The entire cast including members of Consensus Vocalis, the Munich Boys’ Choir and the Phion Orchestra, all taking their final bow © Clare Varney
The Oude Market, Enschede by night © Clare Varney
Modestas Sedlevicius and the fabulous boys from the Münchner Knabenchor - Fabio, Julius and Lazlo © Clare Varney
Modestas Sedlevicius and the fabulous boys from the Münchner Knabenchor – Fabio, Julius and Lazlo © Clare Varney

Reviewed at the Wilminktheater, Enschede on Friday 20th January, 2023

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Further Reading:

Orpheé | L’Amour | Eurydice. Opera, But Not As We Know It

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