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
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