UNL Opera to perform 'Amahl and the Night Visitors' Dec. 11 & 19

After a successful collaboration last year, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln School of Music and Lincoln Public Schools will again present "Amahl and the Night Visitors" as a holiday program this year.

There will be two performances of Gian Carlo Menotti's one-act opera, at 3 p.m. Dec. 11 at Lincoln North Star High School, 5801 N. 33rd St., and at 3 p.m. Dec. 19 at Lincoln Southwest High School, 7001 S. 14th St. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students and are available at the door.

In the opera, a poor mother and her crippled child are in desperate straits. They are cold, hungry and destitute. Then suddenly one night, three kings appear at their door bearing magnificent gifts for an unknown child, led by a great star in the sky, and the stage is set for miraculous events. Originally composed for NBC television, Menotti's opera was first broadcast on Christmas Eve 1951. Its memorable melodies and inspirational story have touched audiences of all generations.

The opera will feature lead singers from the UNL opera program alongside the outstanding choruses of North Star and Southwest high schools. Sung in English with a running time of one hour, it is a perfect holiday treat for the entire family, celebrating the true spirit of giving.

Support for "Amahl and the Night Visitors" has been provided by the Woods Charitable Fund Inc. and the Lincoln Arts Council. For more information, contact William Shomos, associate professor of music at UNL at (402) 472-2494 or by e-mail, or visit the School of Music's Web site.

CONTACT: William Shomos, Asst. Professor, Music, (402) 472-2494