Tamino is to rescue a kidnapped princess. Accompanied by the bird catcher Papageno, equipped with a magic flute and a glockenspiel, he learns to distinguish between good and evil. In the end, light and reason triumph over the realm of the Queen of the Night. After stints at the Metropolitan Opera New York and with shooting star Johanna Wallroth as Pamina, this globally acclaimed production of Mozart's most famous opera returns to Basel.

Die Zauberflöte

Theater Basel

This world première delves into the intrigues and passions of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, who ruled over a fifth of world population in the 17th century. His love for his chief consort Mumtaz is enshrined in the Taj Mahal.

EPSG:4326

Taj Mahal

Grange Park Opera

Prince Tamino is being pursued by a wild serpent. At the last minute, he is saved by three mysterious ladies who have been sent by the queen of the night. When the bird catcher Papageno appears and boasts about the heroic deed they punish him. In contrast, they give the prince a portrait of Pamina, the daughter of the queen who is being held captive by the ruler of the temple of the sun, Sarastro. Tamino falls in love with her. The queen appears in person and orders him to rescue Pamina together with Papageno. A magic flute will protect him from any danger whilst a reluctant Papageno is given magic bells. Guided by three young boys, they set off on their way to Sarastro’s temple. Whilst the temple guards tell Tamino that Sarastro is not the evil tyrant that the queen has depicted, Papageno finds Pamino and tries to flee with her. With the help of the chimes, he is able to distract her guard Monostatos although his efforts are scuppered by the appearance of Sarastro. Papageno, Pamina and Tamino have to stay in Sarastro’s kingdom as Sarastro has something greater planned for Tamino: just as he has taken Pamina into his kingdom to protect her from her mother, he plans to get Tamino into his circle of insiders of the sun temple and, in this way, prepare him for future tasks.

Julia Sitkovetsky

Events

Past events

Nov 25, 2025 - Mar 15, 2026

Die Zauberflöte · Theater Basel

10 - 12 Jul, 2025

Taj Mahal · Grange Park Opera

Future and recently performed repertoire

Königin der Nacht in Die Zauberflöte by Mozart

Semperoper Dresden

Queen of the Night in Die Zauberflöte by Mozart

Theater Basel

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