'Amahl' is a delight for the whole family

With Christmas right around the corner, it is easy to get caught up in the last-minute hustle of the holiday season.

Fortunately, the Music Conservatory of Sandpoint offers the perfect opportunity for the family to relax and enjoy holiday entertainment. On Thursday, Dec. 21, those in the conservatory's Bel Canto opera program will host two performances of a Sandpoint favorite, "Amahl and the Night Visitors," by Gian Carlo Menotti. 

The first performance is at 4 p.m., and the second commences at 6:30 p.m. Both will take place at First Lutheran Church, 526 S. Olive Ave.

"Amahl and the Night Visitors" premiered on Christmas Eve in 1951 and is the first opera to be composed for television in the United States.   

The story portrays Amahl, a young boy with a physical disability that requires him to use a crutch. He was once a shepherd, but his mother sold their sheep when they fell on hard times. Amahl is known for occasionally lying and embellishing the truth, so when he reports to his mother that he saw a giant star rising above the night sky, she dismisses his claim. With Ahmal’s disability and his mother's inability to provide for them, Ahmal’s mother worries about their future. Later that evening, Ahmal’s mother turns to God in prayer.  

At night, Ahmal and his mother are awoken by three kings who appear at their door, weary from travel. The kings explain that they are on their way to deliver gifts to a child of great wonder. Ahmal’s mother welcomes them in and gives them a place to stay. 

The kings share the news about their gifts with Ahmal, and later that night, his mother attempts to steal some of the gold. After much disruption and learning about Ahmal and his mother’s misfortune, one of the kings offers Ahmal’s mother the opportunity to keep the gold, explaining that the Christ child will not need all the gold to build His kingdom. 

Hearing the news of the savior's birth, she returns the gold and says she wishes to offer her own gift but has nothing. 

Ahmal, eager to give a gift to the Christ child, comes forth and offers his one possession that means the most to him, his crutch. His leg is healed as soon as he hands it over to the kings. With this miraculous recovery, Amahl eagerly accompanies the kings on their journey to see the Christ child. 

Hero Hillabush will perform the boy soprano part at the 4 p.m. performance, and Caleb Wallis will perform at the 6:30 p.m. presentation. As in the past, Brenda Rutledge will sing the part of the mother, and the Music Conservatory’s choir ensemble will play the part of the shepherds. The part of the Kings will be sung by Kent Kimball, Dr. Rory Creigh, and Jeff Eakle. 

The performances are free, however, a $10 donation is suggested. For more information on the many programs offered at the Music Conservatory of Sandpoint, go online to SandpointConservatory.org.

    A scene from a past performance of "Amahl and the Night Visitors", a children's opera being presented by the Music Conservatory of Sandpoint on Dec. 21.

    A scene from a past performance of "Amahl and the Night Visitors", a children's opera being presented by the Music Conservatory of Sandpoint on Dec. 21.