AMAHL UND DIE NÄCHTLICHEN BESUCHER

FAMILY OPERA IN ONE ACT

Libretto by Giancarlo Menotti

A moving one-act opera by the Italian-American composer Gian Carlo Menotti raises the curtain on a new series of family operas with which the Theater an der Wien opens its doors wide every year during Advent. A mother fears for her son. His name is Amahl, the Arabic word for hope, and he has a vivid imagination that distracts him from his ill-health. One night, three kings knock on the door: they have followed the evening star in search of a newborn king for whom they have gifts. Once this night is over, nothing is as it was … On 24 December 1951 "Amahl and the Night Visitors" was broadcast on American television and, thanks to regular repetitions since then, has become a popular Christmas tradition in many countries – almost rivalling "Hansel and Gretel". It’s an opera for young and old, then, performed by an impressive team consisting of the Vienna Boys Choir, the Vienna Symphony Orchestra, the Arnold Schoenberg Choir, internationally acclaimed soloists and director Stefan Herheim.

In German with German & English surtitles

Introduction to the work 30 minutes before the performance (except December 20, 21 and 23)

Introductory matinee: Sun 04.12., 11h

Tickets: Amahl und die nächtlichen Besucher