MSU OperaWorks presents holiday concert
Morehead State University OperaWorks will present Gian-Carlo Menotti's beloved Christmas story, "Amahl and the Night Visitors," to open the holiday season. The concert is at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 2 and 3, at the Duncan Recital Hall in the Baird Music Building.
The program is open to the public and suitable for all ages. Cash or check donations will also be accepted at the door.
"Amahl and the Night Visitors" is the tale of the three wise men who are searching for the newborn Christ child. As they travel, they come upon the home of a poor widow and her disabled son, Amahl. The widow agrees to let the Kings take refuge overnight in her home. All the shepherds from the surrounding countryside come to see the Kings, bringing them food for sustenance for their journey. In the evening, a miracle occurs that changes the life of the widow and her son.
"Amahl and the Night Visitors" was entirely staged by Menotti and is the first opera explicitly commissioned for television. It was given its premiere by the NBC Television Opera Theatre in New York City on December 24, 1951.
Dr. Roma Prindle, professor of voice at Morehead State, added, "'Amahl and the Night Visitors' has been a favorite of Morehead audiences since 1995."
The featured roles in the opera include Beaux Sapp (Amahl), a 10-year-old student from Montgomery County; Alura Schaum (Mother), an senior history major from Cynthiana; Caleb Akers (King Balthazer), a junior music education major from Pikeville; Logan Smalley (King Melchior), a senior junior music education major from Flemingsburg; Eli Campbell (King Kaspar), a senior music education major from Ashland; and Joshua Myers (Page to the Kings), a senior music education major from Cynthiana.
Also covering the role of King Melchior is Ben Sapp, a first-year student from Mt. Sterling; Kaci Ann Peniston, a sophomore music education major from Mt. Sterling, for the role of Amahl; and Christopher Gutierrez, a sophomore music education major from Pikeville, for the role of the Page. MSU Concert Choir members and Dr. Greg Detweiler, director, will be the chorus of shepherds.
The pianist for the production is Mary Ellen McNeill. MSU Associate Professor of Music Dr. Thomas Pappas will be the featured oboist.
For more information, contact Dr. Roma Prindle, founder and director-conductor of MSU OperaWorks, at r.prindle@moreheadstate.edu or 606-783-2481.
To learn more about MSU's Department of Music & Theatre, contact mtd@moreheadstate.edu or 606-783-2473.
