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
Phoenix Opera company presented "Carmen" and "Madama Butterfly" conducted by Massaro. In the 2010/11 season the company presented "The Magic Flute" and "La Traviata". The company performs all of its productions at the Orpheum Theatre. Notable artists to have sung with the company include the soprano Marie Te Hapuku, Fabiana Bravo, Mauro Augustini and Donnie Ray Albert. Phoenix Opera The Phoenix Opera is a professional opera company located in Phoenix, Arizona USA. It is an affiliate member of OPERA America. The company was founded as the Phoenix Metropolitan Opera in 2006 by the artistic director John Massaro and the creative director Gail