Flutist Helen Blackburn breathes magic into the Dallas Opera performance of The Magic Flute

The Dallas Opera performed Mozart’s masterpiece, The Magic Flute, a total of six times. Set and Costume Designer Gerald Scarfe crafted the most delightful and whimsical costumes for the set, including a magnificent dragon, various overadroned monkeys, and an adorable penguin-like creature. Jeni Houser, playing as the Queen of Night, dominated her iconic solo, perfectly executing her high Cs and As. Sean Michael Plumb, playing as Papageno, was the star of the show, exhibiting a comical exuberance that perfectly played into the Mozart's lightheartedness in the orchestral parts.

But most enchanting to listen to was the tone of Heather Blackburn, Principal Flutist of the Dallas Opera Orchestra. She performed with a gracious confidence, weaving in and out the chamber orchestra with ease, particularly during the introduction. Her tone, notably pure and gorgeous, resonated throughout the entire hall. Flutists Kareen Britt and Jenifer McKenzie did an equally wonderful job as aegis of Blackburn's crisp tone. The strings, particularly the violins, were extraordinarily clean.

As the performance neared an end, it was clear how Blackburn put the "magic" in The Magic Flute. The opera orchestra would not be the same without her. 

To watch these flutists in action, visit https://dallasopera.org/seasons/mainstage/.