Mozart composed his operatic masterpiece in 1791, just three months before his death. Written in the then-popular form of singspiel, a genre that combines sung and spoken parts, "The Magic Flute," like many of Mozart's works, is accessible to the audience on multiple levels. This fairy tale filled with wizards and magical instruments, heroes, wild animals, and special effects carries deeper meanings. It subtly criticizes its time with numerous references to the world of Freemasonry to which the composer and librettist Emanuel Schikaneder belonged. The opera is brimming with beautiful music, comedy, laughter, sadness, and timeless musical hits.

The story follows a young man named Tamino, who is sent to rescue Princess Pamina from the clutches of the evil Queen of the Night. Throughout his journey, Tamino acquires the magic flute, which helps him face challenges, and Pamina joins his efforts. The opera explores themes of love, courage, wisdom, and the battle between good and evil. Exceptional music, from the love duet of Papageno and Papagena to the fiery high notes of the Queen of the Night, make "The Magic Flute" one of the most important operas in the history of music.

The libretto follows Tamino, a prince lost in an unknown, distant mythical land between the Sun and the Moon, on a mission to rescue Pamina, the daughter of the Queen of the Night who reigns over the underworld. The world of good is embodied by the character of the high priest Sarastro. On a challenging and adventurous journey, Tamino is aided by the magic flute, symbolizing music, which helps him overcome life's trials and tribulations.