And what a night! A really superb production of The Magic Flute at Benedum Center, here in Pittsburgh. The Queen of the Night, whose entrance everyone waits for, was terrific–and she was an understudy!–the original cast member being unwell. Sarastro, her male opposite number, had a splendid big bass voice. Oh, everybody was great–even the Men in Armor were impressive. The settings were imaginatively Masonic, the orchestra was faultless… I even enjoyed Papageno (and Papagena, another beautiful, big voice from a young singer). Terrific show. There’s one more performance, tomorrow. If you’re anywhere near Pittsburgh you should kill for a ticket. (And that is likely the only way you’ll get one–tonight’s performance was packed.) Congratulations to everyone involved in this wonderful production. Pittsburgh is a lucky city.