Libretto of The Magic Flute role in the content of Schikaneder's libretto. Mozart was an active Mason in Vienna, and wrote a substantial quantity of music for his own lodge, including in 1791 (see "Mozart and Freemasonry"). Schikaneder had been a Mason in Regensburg (1786–7) for a few months before his lodge suspended him. The simpler accounts of Masonic influence in "The Magic Flute" assume that Masonry provided a system of values, symbolism, and ritual for the opera, but no part of the narrative. More elaborate accounts suggest that the opera was intended as an allegory with a hidden Masonic agenda. For instance, the evil
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