The Messiah Project in Springfield will bring two shows in one night to Houston’s Faith Fellowship. The event, which includes the “The Miracle of Christmas” consisting of an international Christmas concert plus a popular American opera, “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” begins at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17.
The Sinfonia String Ensemble from Krakow, Poland, will perform “Christmas Around the World” with a wide variety of music including Polish and international carols and Christmas music. Their prize-winning performances have brought them many awards and engagements throughout Europe and the USA. The ensemble will be conducted Steven Byess, conductor for the Ohio Light Opera.
While a delight to audiences of all ages, “Amahl and the Night Visitors” is — as composer Gian-Carlo Menotti notes — “an opera for children.” But unlike other Christmas entertainments aimed at young audiences, Menotti’s opera avoids the banalities of Santa Claus and sugar plum fairies to tell the deeply moving, deeply moral story of Amahl, a crippled little shepherd boy, and his poor, widowed mother, who are visited one fateful evening by three kings on their way to Bethlehem, bearing gifts for a legendary newborn child, the promised Messiah.
“Amahl and the Night Visitors” is one the most popular of American operas. Menotti’s work is performed throughout the country every Christmas season. Steve Jenkins, director of the Stained Glass Theater, Ozark, will be the artistic director. Byess is the musical director.
Organizers said the partnering of these directors, along with the local cast and international orchestra, will bring a marvelous experience to audiences of all ages.
The public is invited, and the evening is free. An offering will be taken.