Students enjoy German opera

Students from Kaiserslautern American High School’s chorus and music appreciation classes attended the opera at the Pfalztheater in Kaiserslautern, Jan. 11.
The production was Mozart’s “The Magic Flute,” performed in the original German. The show is an example of the German Singspiel style, where there is a spoken dialog interspersed with the music.
“Even though the story line is basically a fairy tale, students realized the moral lessons contained within, and how Mozart was able to express man’s higher purpose in his music,” said Joy Morgen, KAHS chorus instructor.
Attending the opera was the culminating experience for the class. Students had studied Mozart’s life, the origin of the libretto, the characteristics of opera voices and the instruments of the orchestra. They also viewed a DVD with English subtitles, and became familiar with staging, costuming, make-up and lighting.
“It’s important for our students to experience cultural activities in our host nation, particularly opera, ballet and musical stage,” said Ms. Morgen.
The students enjoyed seeing it all put together in a live performance. The show “was the best,” said freshman Alexis Adair.
The opera plays at the Pfalztheater until mid-April.