Julien Duval’s “The Magic Flute” to Premiere at Bordeaux Opera House
The Bordeaux Opera House is set to premiere a new production of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s The Magic Flute on March 25, 2026. The production, directed by Julien Duval, promises to immerse audiences in a magical world where nature reclaims its central role, blending the lightness of the fairy tale with a message of harmony between humanity and the environment.
A Return to Bordeaux for Julien Duval
This marks Julien Duval’s second collaboration with the Bordeaux Opera, following his 2024 staging of Nino Rota’s Il Cappello di paglia di Firenze at the Auditorium de Bordeaux. Duval, a comedian and founder of the theater company Le Syndicat d’initiative, previously worked with director Catherine Marnas at the TNBA from 2014 to 2023.
Creative Team and Cast
Joseph Swensen will conduct the Orchestre National Bordeaux Aquitaine for this production. The cast includes Sofia Kirwan-Baez as Papagena. Further casting details include Julien Duval, Joseph Swensen, Jean Teitgen, Omar Mancini, Ugo Rabec, Julia Knecht, Elena Villalón, Thomas Dolié, Mathias Vidal, Julie Goussot, Axelle Saint-Cirel, and Anouck Defontenay.
Performance Schedule
Performances of The Magic Flute are scheduled for the following dates at the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux:
- March 25, 2026 at 8:00 PM
- March 27, 2026 at 8:00 PM
- March 29, 2026 at 3:00 PM
- March 31, 2026 at 8:00 PM
- April 2, 2026 at 8:00 PM
A Poetic Vision
Duval aims to present a poetic interpretation of Mozart’s final opera, diverging from previous productions. Unlike a heavily symbolic 1992 production or a lighter, winter sports-themed version in 2010, Duval intends to create a shimmering, funny, and deeply touching experience for audiences. Aude Desigaux designed the costumes for this colorful show.
More information is available on the official website of the opera house: https://www.opera-bordeaux.com/opera-la-flute-enchantee-74442