Magic Flute Diaries concept for a film inspired by Mozart’s "The Magic Flute" emerged from a number of sources. Director, writer and producer of the film, Kevin Sullivan, became interested in the city of Salzburg after his daughter travelled there with her school orchestra to attend Mozart’s 250th birthday celebrations. Sullivan was also inspired by Andrew Lloyd Webber’s stage musical, "The Woman in White", which used three-dimensional backdrops in its London production. Though Sullivan claims not to be an opera buff, he had always had a love for Mozart’s "The Magic Flute". Due to the impossibility (budget and time constraints) of filming on-location
NI Opera version of "The Magic Flute", a touring production, with sold-out performances at the Lyric Players' Theatre, Belfast. In February 2015, NI Opera presented its first Richard Strauss opera, "Salome", at the Grand Opera House Belfast, with the Ulster Orchestra. Giselle Allen sang the title role. 2015 – 2016 season The company's season opened with the world premiere performance of Brian Irvine's golf opera, "Lovegolflove", a collaboration with playwright Owen McCafferty, as part of the Irish Open at Newcastle, County Down. In September 2015, in collaboration with the Irish Chamber Orchestra, the company staged its first Handel opera, "Agrippina", which toured