NOVEMBER 12, 2009 ISSUE
Amahl and the Night Visitors
ASU Hayes School of Music Performs Christmas Opera November 19 to 22
Leon Corpening, left, David Young, Brian Dubois and Brian Newland in the 2003 performance of Amahl and the Night Visitors. Photo by ASU Photographer Mike Rominger
The ASU Opera Theatre presents Amahl and the Night Visitors opening Thursday, November 19, at Rosen Concert Hall. Photo submitted
The ASU Opera will perform the classic Christmas tradition, Amahl and the Night Visitors, opening on Thursday, November 19, and running through Sunday, November 22. The performances will take place in Rosen Concert Hall in the Broyhill Music Center of ASU at 8:00 p.m. and at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday.
Tickets are $12 and $6 for students, and can be purchased by calling 828-262-3020.
The English opera, written by Gian Carlo Menotti, is about the misfortunes of a mother and her crippled son, Amahl, and how their lives are altered by a visit from three kings in search of an infant savior.
The talented ASU music students performing in the principle cast are Grace McKinnon and Tara Nixon as Amahl, Katherine Edahl and Ashley Sigmon as the mother, David Clark and Adam Sensenbrenner as King Melchior, Craig Brown and Paul Whitehead as King Kaspar, Jacob Cook as King Balthazar and David Dunlap and Josh Finkler as the page.
“So far the performance has been incredible; we run the show almost every rehearsal to make sure we know it backwards and forwards,” cast member Edahl said.
The director of the opera and voice professor Joseph Amaya has taught and directed the opera workshop since 1989.
“Dr. Amaya is very dedicated to emotion and the integrity of a performance.” Edahl said. “He does not want anyone to look or act phony on stage; he really dedicates himself to teaching us honestly in our performances.”
Amaya obtained a music education degree from the State University of New York, and his masters and doctorate of music in voice at Florida State University. Amaya has worked under professional management with The Metropolitan Opera and has toured the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.
The heartwarming story reminds the audience of the season of giving, therefore, attendees are encouraged to bring canned foods for “Amahl’s Bread Box” which will be collected at every performance and distributed to The Health and Hunger Coalition.
“I feel that opening night is going to knock the socks off everyone in attendance.” Edahl added. “This opera will truly get everyone in the Christmas spirit.”
For more information, call 828-262-3020.
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