Amahl and the Night Visitors (1955)

A destitute crippled child and his mother are visited late one night by three traveling strangers who claim to be following a star so that they may bring gifts to a newborn king The yearly live telecasts of Gian Carlo Menottis Amahl and the Night Visitors were a cherished Christmas tradition throughout the 1950s In addition since its premiere in 1951 Amahl has been performed regularly by community groups and small opera companies throughout the US making it the single most popular American opera This production staged by the composer himself and originally telecast on Christmas Day 1955 is a testament to the works enduring power to move the heart and stir the soul Starring Rosemary Kuhlmann as the Mother and Bill McIver as Amahl Members of the Symphony of the Air are under the direction of Thomas Schippers