Saturday & Sunday, Jan. 5-6—WOODSTOCK—The story of the Three Wise Men bringing gifts to the baby Jesus is an integral part of the Christmas season. Italian-American composer and librettist Gian Carlo Menotti found inspiration in the tale and created the classic Christmas opera “Amahl and the Night Visitors” in 1951. The opera will be performed at St. James Episcopal Church in Woodstock on Saturday, Jan. 5 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 6 at 4 p.m. A small orchestra will accompany the singers.
Menotti, commissioned by NBC to compose the first television opera, was inspired by a painting by Hieronymus Bosch titled “The Adoration of the Magi.” His opera tells the story of a lame shepherd boy who tries to tell his mother of the wondrous sight of an enormous star with a long tail. Accustomed to his habit of lying, she doesn’t believe him. Her disbelief grows when he tells her three kings are at their door. The kings tells Amahl and his mother that they are seeking a king, and show them the rich gifts they have brought for him. That night, the mother attempts to steal some of the gold. She is caught, but the kings tell her she can keep the gold because the king they are searching for will not need gold, but will use love to rule his kingdom. She returns the gold. Amahl offers his staff as a gift and discovers he can walk without it. He goes with the night visitors on their search for the blessed child.
Dr. James Lorenz, organist and choirmaster at St. James, will direct the production. “In celebration of both Twelfth Night and the Feast of the Epiphany, we are proud to present this important American work,” he said. “We offer an intimate setting with excellent acoustics.”
Everyone is welcome to attend this event. Donations are appreciated. The church is located at 2 St. James Place, Woodstock. For more information, visit stjameswoodstock.org or call 802-457-1727.
