Mozart's Magical Castle

This holiday season, Casa Loma and Opera Atelier will partner to create Mozart’s Magical Castle, a month-long installation which will bring Toronto’s castle to life with the sights and sounds of Mozart’s beloved opera The Magic Flute. Running December 1-30, 2012, this unique interactive installation will feature a variety of performances, educational workshops, and creative activities that will expose participants of all ages to the music, dance and story of Mozart’s most famous opera in the magical environment of Casa Loma. Artists from Opera Atelier’s production (running April 6-13, 2013 at the Elgin Theatre) will be on-site to perform excerpts from The Magic Flute, a team of arts educators will help participants connect with the artist inside them, and activities such as costumed characters and a scavenger hunt will ensure that all Casa Loma patrons will get to participate in the fun. Casa Loma will also be maintaining its holiday tradition of strolling carolers, an elves’ workshop, beautiful decorations including a 25-foot tree, and - of course - visits with Santa Claus.

This partnership marks a unique collaboration between two Toronto institutions, and will employ dozens of artists and arts educators in a community setting. It presents an appealing opportunity for people of all ages to combine traditional holiday activities with cultural exploration in a fun, family-friendly environment. Participants will be transported by the magical atmosphere and will be captivated by the breadth of culturally enriching interactive activities. Programmed by arts education professionals, this experience will provide a compelling introduction to one of history’s greatest composers in a vibrant, engaging holiday environment.

PERFORMANCES (Great Hall)
Performances will span three disciplines: Dance, Music and Drama. Dance performances will feature two Opera Atelier dancers performing choreography from The Magic Flute. Music performances will feature Opera Atelier principles singing some of The Magic Flute’s famous arias. Drama performances will feature costumed arts-educators leading the audience through an abridged version of the opera’s story.
Dates: December 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 9, 11, 15, 16, 18, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30, 2012
Times: 10:00AM and 12:00PM

WORKSHOPS (Library)
Workshops have been created in three areas to correspond with the performances: Dance, Music and Drama. All workshops are led by professional arts educators on the Opera Atelier team. These workshops are designed and intended for all members of the family to share in at one time. Space is limited.
Dates: December 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 9, 11, 15, 16, 18, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30, 2012
Times: 10:30AM and 12:30PM
Price: $5.00 +HST

INTERACTIONS (Throughout)
Characters from The Magic Flute will wander throughout the castle, engaging visitors with close-up interactive experiences. You never know where drama, dance and song will surprise you right before your very eyes! It is these interactions that will allow the magic to ring through every corner of Casa Loma.
Dates: December 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 9, 11, 15, 16, 18, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30, 2012
Times: 9:30AM – 5:00PM

BUILD A DRAGON (Mezzanine)
Throughout the day, children will be invited to create scales with craft supplies which will be added to a wall-sized dragon body. Over the course of the month, the participant community will create a unique art installation. Children will be encouraged to explore their personal creativity with a facilitator.
Dates: December 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 9, 11, 15, 16, 18, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30, 2012
Times: 9:30AM – 5:00PM

SCAVENGER HUNT (Throughout)
Families will be encouraged to participate at their own pace in an interactive scavenger hunt. The hunt is designed to take participants throughout the castle while learning more about The Magic Flute and Casa Loma.
Dates: December 1-24 and 26 – 30, 2012
Times: 9:30AM – 5:00PM

STORYTIME (Conservatory)
Children are invited to gather around and take a break while enjoying some enchanting stories read out live by a costumed interpreter.
Dates: December 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, and 23, 2012
Times: 10:00AM – 2:30PM

SANTA’S WORKSHOP (Billiard Room)
Visit Santa in his Casa Loma workshop, he is ready to hear your little one’s stories, secrets and wishes. And he always has time for a photo!
Dates: December 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 9, 11, 15, 16, 18, 22, 23 and 24, 2012
Times: 9:30AM – 5:00PM

OLD FASHIONED TOUR (Throughout)
Enjoy a costumed guided tour through the Castle, with stories told through the eyes of one of the Pellatt butlers. Learn about how the family enjoyed the holidays in their beautifully adorned home.
Dates: December 5, 6, 12, 13, 14, 17, 19, 20, and 21 2012
Times: 11:00AM and 2:00PM
Price: $2.00 +HST

STROLLING CAROLERS (Throughout)
While you visit Casa Loma, the hall will be filled with music of the season, as sung by strolling costumed carolers.
Dates: December 5, 6, 12, 13, 14, 17, 19, 20, 21, 24 2012
Times: 10:00AM– 3:00PM

BAKE SALE (Great Hall)
While touring the Castle, purchase and enjoy some delicious home baked goods from our pastry kitchen by Pegasus Hospitality Group. Every day, we will be selling all kinds of holiday treats for the season. Perfect for those holiday parties and dinners!
Dates: December 8th – 23rd, 2012
Times: 9:30AM - 4:30PM
December 8 – 23, 2012