“A Cambodian Magic Flute” The First Mozart Classic Opera Stage in Cambodia

Phnom Penh- “A Cambodian Magic Flute” a semi-staged concert based on Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” and is a historical cultural event for the first time that a classical opera has been staged in Cambodia.

Natively titled as “Die Zauberflöte” in German, it was first premiered on 30^th September 1791. The concert comprises a mix of Khmer traditional instruments and classical European instruments, performed by a 28-piece orchestra composed of 24 Saigon Philharmonic Orchestra members and 4 Cambodians and also joined by Cambodian dancers from Amrita Performing Arts organization. Joining them will be soloists from Vietnam, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, and China while in between the scenes, a “Yike clown, a traditional Khmer theatrical clown”, narrates the plot in Khmer.

The event was held on 10^th of March at one of Vann Molyvann’s famous works, the Chaktomuk Theatre.  A synopsis of the story goes as Prince Tamino is sent by the Queen of the Night to free her daughter Pamina from the prisons of the magician, Sarastro.

His journey is accompanied by the colorful Papageno and the help of two magic instruments; a set of bells and a flute. Tamino’s path to free and win over Pamina leads them towards love and light.

It was such a great performance at that night!

Some rehearsal actions before the performance

“A Cambodian Magic Flute” a semi-staged concert based on Mozart’s “The Magic Flute”