The Magic Fountain
Frederick Delius
Venue
Duration
Approx. running time: 1 hour and 33 mins (plus 30 mins interval)Production Sponsor
Production generously supported by The Delius Trust.
Lyric drama in three acts
Libretto and Music by Frederick Delius
First stage performance:
Kiel (Landeshauptstadt) 2 December 1997
Sung in English with English surtitles
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Lush, romantic, and beautifully accessible, this rarely performed gem by Frederick Delius is a perfect introduction to opera, and also a delight for seasoned fans. Sung in English by a remarkable cast, The Magic Fountain features an incredibly beautiful score.
Exploring themes of obsession and desire, Delius’s music and text paints evocative sounds and immersive soundscapes treating nature almost as another character highlighting its beauty, brutality, and power.
Delius composed this opera in 1893-1895, but the first fully-staged production wasn’t given until a century later. His father had sent him to Florida to manage a citrus plantation, hoping to divert him from a musical career. This brief experience left a lasting impression on the composer.
The Magic Fountain | In Rehearsals
'I think this is something a little bit out of the ordinary.’
Get an exclusive look behind-the-scenes of The Magic Fountain.
The Magic Fountain | Director Interview
Director Christopher Luscombe and conductor Francesco Cilluffo share their thoughts - "I've really fallen in love with it. I think it's a fantastic piece" [Christopher] and "it's just an incredibly beautiful score". [Francesco]
Cast
Creative Team
Simon Higlett
Will Ashford
The Plot
A Spanish explorer, Solano, and his crew are becalmed at sea off the coast of Florida. While the crew longs for home, Solano is consumed by a legend he has heard about a Fountain of Eternal Youth.
A storm arises, wrecking the ship, and Solano is the sole survivor. Washed ashore, he is found by Watawa, who has him brought to her village. Solano shares his dream with the village seer, who reveals that the fountain does exist and that Watawa will guide him to it.
Despite knowing that drinking from the fountain will bring death to someone who comes unprepared, Watawa agrees to lead him. Aware of the fountain’s true nature, Watawa tries to dissuade Solano from his quest. However, in the end, she sacrifices herself, and Solano tragically follows her to his doom.
Watch & Listen
The Magic Fountain | In Rehearsals
'I think this is something a little bit out of the ordinary.’
Get an exclusive look behind-the-scenes of The Magic Fountain.
The Magic Fountain | Director interview
Hear from director Christopher Luscombe and conductor Francesco Cilluffo about their approach to staging the production as part of the 74th Wexford Festival Opera.