From the Bel Canto production of The Magic Flute, Prince Tamino (Alexander Anderson-Hall), led by Pamina, undergoes the ordeals of fire and water to emerge triumphant in his quest for kingship.
TRIAL BY FIRE
PAMINA AND TAMINO: Not Satan's flames nor fiery furnace
nor blazes from the bowels of Hell
could faze us, baffle us or burn us
when music casts its magic spell.
The last ordeal need not concern us...
so let the flooding waters swell.
ORDEAL BY WATER
Our lives are saved, the waves recede
the magic flute has done the deed.
BARDS, OVATES AND DRUIDS: Vivat! Vivat! Vivat!
The judge reveals
you've passed the last of your ordeals.
The rite of passage is complete
Come, come,
celebrate this noble feat.
words © Tom Boyd
We met Pamela Hay once in the Central Library in Birmingham. She was very kind and patient with two young children who knew nothing of opera, but really loved singing.
Wish i was rich so I could be her patron - if that even happens any more...
cinnamonbrandylite 2 years ago