The Magic Flute the Masonic influence is exaggerated. Schikaneder and Mozart were Freemasons, as was Ignaz Alberti, engraver and printer of the first libretto. The opera is also influenced by Enlightenment philosophy and can be regarded as advocating enlightened absolutism. The Queen of the Night is seen by some to represent a dangerous form of obscurantism, by others to represent Roman Catholic Empress Maria Theresa, and still others see the Roman Catholic Church itself, which was strongly anti-Masonic. Some modern audiences detect strains of misogyny and casual racism in "The Magic Flute". The names of the performers at the premiere are taken from
Brown Opera Productions In 2010, BOP performed a reduction of "The Magic Flute" for the Providence Athenaeum on Benefit Street. BOP also has at least two nursing home concerts during the year and one in the summer. It is also planning to launch an opera/classical music education program for surrounding Providence schools. BOP puts on short scenes from various operas and operettas, with staging, singing, and sets. In the past BOP has done scenes from many operas and operettas, including "Porgy and Bess", "The Magic Flute", "Norma", "The Threepenny Opera", "Candide", and "Monsieur Choufleuri". Performances occur in multiple venues across campus, including the