Luxor Temple will host the last opera by Mozart; “The
magic Flute” opera in October 2013.
The
idea for this project was conceived a few years ago, after the publication of
an important book by the Dutch scholar Dr. Tjeu van den Berk. He wrote a very comprehensive
study about: The Magic Flute. An Alchemical Allegory, the last opera by Mozart.
From the premiere in 1791 until now the opera has occupied the minds
strong. From the first time the opera
played, the music has moved thousands, but the story told in the opera has
divided many for a long time. Many wondered whether the libretto has some
serious scope.
Van den Berk gives in this
study a remarkable contribution to the unveiling of the opera story. Explaining
that in the opera the magnum opus (great work) of the alchemists is
depicted. He also claims the story is set in an imagined ancient Egypt.
At least five musical events will be organized.
The first event is the original performance of the opera the Magic Flute by
Mozart. There will be eight performances at the Luxor Temple by the Dutch Combattimento
Consort Amsterdam, conducted by Jan Willem de Vriend.
Jan Willem de Vriend
The
second event is the musical premiere of Mozart in Egypt. An encounter between Mozart’s music and old Egyptian music. A famous musical project directed by Ahmed El
Maghraby. This event will be held in Luxor Temple and in the open air area of
the Cairo Opera House.
An
international conference will be organized about the Opera. About the influence of free masonry and alchemy on the work of Mozart and
the role Egyptian symbolism as The
Magic Flute is noted for its prominent Alchemistic elements. The opera is also
influenced by Enlightenment philosophy, and can be regarded as an allegory
advocating enlightened absolutism. Many scientists from around the world will
be invited to attend and/or speak at the conference which will take place in one
of the Luxor hotels.
Beside
the conference a number of workshops will be arranged in New Hermopolis in
central Egypt. This Cultural Village ‘New Hermopolis' is founded at Tuna
el-Gebel, not far from El Minia. The city of wisdom or city of Thoth
(Hermopolis) in Egypt, where the “World” resides, is inspiring tomorrow with
the knowledge of yesterday.
From
the two musical concerts, the Opera The Magic Flute of Mozart and the Mozart in
Egypt project, a professional DVD recording will be made. Recording will also
appear on CD. Together with a booklet, the DVDs and the CDs will be delivered
in a unique box. Also a book with the congress lectures will be published.
We
assume that many Mozart lovers all over the world would like to attend this
event. For these people the Dutch travel organization Ghazala Reizen will
organize a unique Mozart in Egypt Tour. Besides attending the two concerts the
tour participants will visit some sites in Egypt related to ‘Mozart in Egypt’.
The highlight of this trip will be a visit to the temple of Abydos.
A press conference
will be held in Luxor temple tomorrow, Monday 11th June to announce
all related information to the event and it will be attended by the Governor of
Luxor, Dr. Ezzat Saad, the Egyptian Minister of Antiquities , Dr. Mohamed
Ibrahim Ali, the Egyptian Minister of Tourism ,Dr. Mounier Fakhry Abdel Nour, Chairman
of the Board of Cairo Opera House, Dr. Inés Abdel Dayem , General Manger of
Combattimento Consort Amsterdam, Mr. Tido Visser and Ghazala Productions
Director and initiator of the Mozart in Egypt Project ,Mr. Jielis van Baalen.
More details and the press conference coverage on Luxor Times Magazine blog .... First hand news and coverage .... stay tuned!
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