The Magic Flute – Queen of the Night aria (Mozart; Diana Damrau, The Royal Opera)

Soprano Diana Damrau sings 'Der Hölle Rache', the famous Queen of the Night aria from Mozart's The Magic Flute, with Dorothea Röschmann as Pamina.

David McVicar’s production of Mozart’s The Magic Flute will be performed at the Royal Opera House 10 October–3 November 2025. Book tickets now – https://www.rbo.org.uk/tickets-and-events/the-magic-flute-david-mcvicar-details

The Magic Flute is available to watch now – along with over 80 other extraordinary productions – on Royal Ballet and Opera Stream. Watch the whole performance now at https://www.rbo.org.uk/tickets-and-events/the-magic-flute-20171-digital

To find exclusive souvenirs and gifts inspired by the opera, explore the The Magic Flute collection at the Royal Ballet and Opera Shop – https://shop.rbo.org.uk/collections/the-magic-flute

Mozart wrote Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute) for a suburban theatre in Vienna, the Theater auf der Wieden. He drew on the magical spectacle and earthy comedy of popular Viennese theatre. As well as being a comedy, The Magic Flute is an expression of Mozart’s profound spiritual beliefs: Enlightenment concerns with the search for wisdom and virtue are at the heart of this enchanting tale. The Magic Flute was an instant success with audiences and Mozart’s supposed rival Salieri described it as an ‘operone’ – a great opera.

David McVicar’s classic production embraces both the seriousness and comedy of Mozart’s work. The audience is transported to a fantastical world of dancing animals, flying machines and dazzlingly starry skies. The setting provides a wonderful backdrop for Mozart’s kaleidoscopic score, from the Queen of the Night’s coloratura fireworks to Tamino and Pamina’s lyrical love duets and Papageno’s hearty, folksong-like arias.