The Amore Opera House is celebrating its Fifth season with quite an interesting opera. We all know the story of “Zauberflöte,” or “The Magic Flute”, which was written in 1791 by Mozart. It was a hit, especially the “Queen of the Night” aria. It is a classic by all means. However, the Amore Opera House has decided to take a turn from the norms of Opera. They will be putting on “Das Labyrinth” the mysterious sequel to “The Magic Flute”. What’s more, this opera wasn’t written by Mozart at all. He had died shortly before it was written by his impresario and librettist. The music is written by Peter von Winter.

Das Labyrinth has the same characters as its predecessor. This time, the characters face a new trial, building a labyrinth. The music has many of the characteristics of Mozart’s work. However, it is very different. Many wonder if this production will be as good as “The Magic Flute”. The Amore Opera House has put a lot of hard work into the production as well as a number of volunteers. Hopefully, it will do Mozart justice.

The Prospect Theater Company has brought a spectacular show to Baruch students for the past few weeks. Tamar of the River is a musical portrayal of the biblical story of Tamar and Judah. During the period in which the story is set, the world is torn by war. This division is signified by a blood-red river that divides the East and the West. Tamar is called by God to raise her voice and bring about peace. On her journey, she travels to a foreign place, finds a family and even true love. The story is told through music as well as beautiful acting. Elements of Middle Eastern, Asian and Jewish music are weaved throughout the music. Tamar of the River is truly a remarkable piece of work and a must see. Unfortunately, the show is no longer running at Baruch. However, the Prospect Theater Company has a number of shows running and they are all truly amazing and inspirational. Please check the Baruch Performing Arts Center for more information about the show!

From October 18th to October 20th, there was a very cool exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art. It was called “20 Dancers for the XX Century”. It focused on twenty dancers who were dancing around the museum. What made this special was that there wasn’t a designated spot for the dancers. It wasn’t like other performances where the performers stayed on stage, and the audience watched from below or above. It was very informal; people were allowed to come up and chat with the dancers. Sometimes they would act like other visitors and just walk around looking at the art. The dancers would talk about their career and the pieces they were performing. They also didn’t have to perform their original work. For example, there was this male dancer named Richard Move who dressed up as Martha Graham, who was a very famous American modern dancer. This exhibition helped to break down the barrier between performer and spectator.

There is a new pop song on the rise. It is called “The Fox” by the duo Ylvis, which is made up of two brothers, Bard and Vegard Ylvisaker. It is a very unlikely hit, because while other pop songs are usually about having a good time or love, this one is about animal sounds. “The Fox” has already reached #6 on the Billboard, beating Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines”. The Norwegian duo are very surprised about the attention their song is receiving, because originally as comedians on a talk show, they had meant for this song to be only a joke. They are now invited to perform live at various American TV programs, such as the Today Show, which they never expected. Check it out if you haven’t, because this song has one of the most memorable choruses you will ever hear!

Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer’s famous painting The Girl with a Pearl Earring is coming to New York. The Girl with a Pearl Earring was last seen in New York in 1984, pictures a beautiful girl, with bright eyes and of course, the famous pearl earring. It is one of Vermeer’s most famous and mysterious painting, which inspired a novel and a film. If you are in New York, don’t forget to check out The Girl with a Pearl Earring and 14 other masterpiece by Vermeer at the Frick’s Collection from Tuesday through (Jan. 19, 1 East 70th Street, Manhattan; 212-288-0700, frick.org.)