International conductor Dr. Elizabeth Askren has released the first installment of her new comic book series “Volume One: The Magic Flute.”

The project came about as part of Askren’s “MaestraMagic!” mixed-media edutainment show that she created with her daughter Lily during the lockdown in 2020.

“I created ‘MaestraMagic!’ in the spring of 2020 with my then seven-year-old daughter while homeschooling her in our home in Transylvania, Romania during the COVID lockdown,” Askren revealed per an official press release. “During this time of fear and uncertainty, we searched for a children’s entertainment show that was gentle and kind, and focused on music. To my surprise, there was nothing available. Looking at my imaginative daughter, who loved to sing and perform, I thought, ‘We have the creativity and definitely the time, so let’s create a show ourselves!’ And our passion project adventure began.”

The comic book features visual illustrations by Daryna Kudenko as well as audio excerpts through musical QR codes. Anca Stefania Robu provides the visual narrative adaptation.

Askren is the Founder and Artistic Director of the Transylvanian Opera Academy and a master teacher at both The Dallas Opera’s Hart Institute and Paris Opera’s Academy. She is also the first-ever Principal Guest Conductor of the Hawai’i Opera Theatre.

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