The Magic Flute The opera was premiered in Vienna on 30 September 1791 at the suburban Freihaus-Theater auf der Wieden. Mozart conducted the orchestra, Schikaneder himself played Papageno, while the role of the Queen of the Night was sung by Mozart's sister-in-law Josepha Hofer. On the reception of the opera, Mozart scholar Maynard Solomon writes: As Mozart's letters show, he was very pleased to have achieved such a success. Solomon continues: The opera celebrated its 100th performance in November 1792, though Mozart did not have the pleasure of witnessing this milestone, as he had died 5 December 1791. The opera was first performed
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