Dr. William Mouat, assistant professor of music and director of opera at Hardin-Simmons University, brings a lavish production of the contemporary opera “Amahl and the Night Visitors” to First Baptist Church in a much anticipated reprise of the holiday classic. The production, which features a cast, orchestra, and 60-member chorale from the HSU School of Music and Fine Arts, will hold a special matinee for area schoolchildren at 10:00 a.m. on Nov 30, and performances for the general public on Dec 1 and Dec 3 at 6:00 p.m. Admission for the evening performances is $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for students and senior citizens.

Set on Christmas Eve, the opera is the story of how a crippled boy (Amahl) discovers his own Christmas miracle, as the Three Kings request lodging in his home on their journey to visit the Christ-Child in Bethlehem. First Baptist Church discontinued their own production of the opera after the 2002 season, and the classic has been missed. “This holiday favorite has something for everyone; a poignant nativity message, music, dance, scenic design, and marvelous costuming,” says Dr. Mouat, “the opera is a perfect fit for the resources we have at Hardin-Simmons; we had to bring it back.”

Gian-Carlo Menotti’s opera has the distinction of being the first opera ever commissioned for television. NBC telecast the premiere on December 24, 1951. Because of the overwhelming response from viewers, it was rebroadcast each holiday season and has been heard by more Americans than any other opera.

Tickets are available at the door for the evening performances.