A flute resounds at Tusten

Saturday, August 19, 7:30 p.m. The Tusten Theatre, Narrowsburg, NY. $25, $23 seniors and students, $15 under 12. www.dv-opera.org or 845/252-7272.

If ever you doubt that Mozart was a musical genius with an equally ingenious sense of humor, you should go see the Delaware Valley Opera (DVO) production of “The Magic Flute” at the Tusten Theatre.

The DVO rendition is very true to the conventionalities of the Mozart classical tradition. DVO conductor and music director Ron DeFesi does a masterful job orchestrating all elements of the production, since he also acts as stage director and set designer. One wouldn’t be surprised to learn he had made some of the colorful costumes.

Ed Turner, the tenor who sings the role of Tamino, has a remarkable ring to his tenor register that goes well with his leading lady, Pamina played by Majia Lisa Currie, a comely soprano with a comely voice. Their voices blend superbly with the rich basso of Erik Kronche, who also played the high priest in the company’s production of “Aida,” in a highlight of the performance: the famous trio in the second act. You won’t hear that piece sung better anywhere.

And what good is “Flute” if Papageno is insufficient? Kevin Grace possesses all the necessary qualities that make the role so memorable. It is one of the meatiest roles in opera and it’s easy to fall short of it. Grace does a masterful job. And Heather Connolly as Queen of the Night aces all the high notes in her famous aria that has been the undoing of more than one soprano.

The three ladies and the three spirits—six singers in all—provide a resilient and comfortable background for the lead singers. And, of course, there is the orchestra, professional in every way and able to fill the pit of any musical venue in New York City.

Principals, choruses, conductor, and instrumentalists make this evening at the opera a memorable one.