Vancouver Opera continues their digital 2020–2021 season with the premiere of the holiday classic Amahl and the Night Visitors. On Saturday, December 12 this opera composed by Gian Carlo Menotti will touch audiences with its heartwarming story and impact of community.  

“Following public acclaim and critical success of La Voix humaine, I am delighted to announce our next production to premiere in our 2020-2021 digital season,” says Tom Wright, Vancouver Opera General Director. “The story of Amahl and the Night Visitors is a classic holiday opera and first premiered in 1951 for home audiences. We can experience this story of humanity and immerse ourselves in a traditional holiday story on our screens, safely in our homes. For Vancouver Opera, this production is a true family creation with the son of Maestro Leslie Dala, Andreas Dala, in the title role of Amahl.”

Sarah Jane Pelzer returns to Vancouver Opera where she last directed Cendrillon and Les Larmes du Couteau with the Yulanda M. Faris Young Artists Program. In 2019 Sarah directed Amahl and the Night Visitors for Opera Kelowna.

“Amahl and the Night Visitors gives us an opportunity to see the power of optimism and trust in the life of Amahl and those around him,” says director Sarah Jane Pelzer. “We see a big journey as Amahl understands his own potential and his Mother understands the importance of letting him go. With both majestic and campy moments, this story is beautiful, fun and very human. I'm excited to share the world of a boy who is a bundle of light and goes through the opera spreading that light out.”

Andreas Dala performs in the title role Amahl. Joining him on stage are Stephanie Tritchew (Mother), Sergio Augusto (King Kaspar), Jason Cook (King Melchior), Michael Mackinnon (King Balthazar), Henry Chen (Page) and chorus members Karen Ydenberg, Heather Molloy, Tristan Chalcraft and Angus Bell. 

Conductor and pianist Leslie Dala will lead this talented cast and is joined by pianist Tina Chang. Additional members of the Amahl and the Night Visitors creative team are set and costume designer Patrick Rizzotti, lighting designer Jeremy Baxter, and associate costume designer Alaia Hamer. Crew members include stage manager Marijka Asbeek Brusse, assistant stage manager Michelle Harrison and COVID Safety Officer Leah Giselle Field.

For more information about the 2020–2021 Digital Season and to subscribe, please visit digital.vancouveropera.ca.