By Maegan Kennedy, student news writer
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – The Campbellsville University Opera Workshop will present “Amahl and The Night Visitors.” Nov. 17-20.
Shows are Friday, Nov. 17 and Saturday Nov. 18 at 8 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 19 at 3 p.m.; and Monday, Nov. 20 at 8 p.m.
All performances are in The Gheens Recital Hall. Tickets are now available and must be reserved by calling (270) 789-5237. General admission is $5.
“Amahl and The Night Visitors” is a one-act opera in English by American composer Gian Carlo Menotti, who also served as the first stage and musical director. It was the first opera specifically composed for television and was first broadcast by NBC Dec. 24, 1951.
“The opera is now a popular Christmas classic,” according to Dr. Mark Bradley, professor of music who directs the play.
“Amahl is full of humor, wonder and drama, and the music is tuneful and charming,” he said.“These qualities make it a favorite to introduce opera, as a genre, to children.”
Bradley said the story line of the opera revolves around a young crippled child, Amahl. The action is set at the time of the birth of Christ, amid the wonder of the appearance of a new and bright star.
Amahl and his widowed mother are visited by the Three Wise Men on their way to visit the newborn Christ child. The visit of these kings from distant lands leads to discoveries, amazement and miracles as only a child can imagine.
Bradley said the cast for the production includes students from the School of Music in leading roles, several of which are double cast. The Chamber Choir will serve as chorus for all performances.
Irailda Rodrigues is assistant director, accompanied by Higo Rodrigues.
For more information about “Amahl and The Night Visitors,” visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amahl_and_the_Night_Visitors.
Campbellsville University, now celebrating her Centennial year, is a private, comprehensive institution located in South Central Kentucky. Founded in 1906, Campbellsville University is affiliated with the Kentucky Baptist Convention and has an enrollment of over 2,300 students who represent 95 Kentucky counties, 27 states and 34 foreign nations. Listed in U.S.News & World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges” 14 consecutive years as one of the leading Southern master’s colleges and universities, Campbellsville University is located 82 miles southwest of Lexington, Ky., and 80 miles southeast of Louisville, Ky. Dr. Michael V. Carter is in his eighth year as president.