In 1951, Gian Carlo Menotti wrote Amahl and the Night Visitors, a one-act opera commissioned for U.S. television. The story retells the Christmas tale of the Magi from the perspective of a poor shepherd boy, who has a physical disability, and his mother. It is a poignant narrative that touches on themes of gifts, temptation, kindness, shame, selflessness, and miracles.

The opera’s creation reflects Menotti’s own life and the social climate of the time. Born in Italy, he
grew up with the tradition of receiving Christmas gifts from the Three Kings, not Santa Claus, and
recalled waiting with his brother for the kings’ arrival. Menotti also had a childhood leg issue that required a crutch, and he later claimed a “miraculous” cure after a visit to a Madonna shrine. He wrote the opera specifically for the television medium, which was rapidly gaining popularity in 1951. The broader context of the era, marked by global anxiety and increased religious
observance, contrasts with today’s social media-driven world, yet the opera’s timeless message
remains relevant.

Community Presbyterian Church in San Juan Capistrano will present this family-friendly
production as part of its Friends of Music series. Featuring professional singers, this performance is a particularly fitting and powerful message for our time.

Invitation:
Mark your calendars now for this magical story! The 45 minute concert will be presented twice, at
7 p.m. on December 5th and 6th. Admission is free, with a free-will offering collected at the
performance.

Event Information:
Friends of Music
Community Presbyterian Church, 32202 Del Obispo, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

For more information, contact the church office at 949-493-1502.

About friends of Music

The Friends of Music present a series of varied musical concerts at Community Presbyterian Church to provide entertainment and joy to community members and their families, and to publicize CPC as a friendly congregation, open to sharing a variety of musical performing experiences with the community.

A man in a dark suit singing into a microphone on stage, gesturing with his hand. Behind him is a white folding chair and a water bottle. The stage is dimly lit with warm lighting.
Woman in blue dress with arms raised, speaking into a microphone on stage.
Two women performing on stage with microphones, one wearing a blue patterned dress and the other a green dress, with audience silhouettes in the foreground.
Two people embracing on a stage, with a microphone stand next to them and chairs in the background.
A group of people dressed formally on stage with microphones, likely during a performance or event in front of an audience.
A man in a green suit singing into a microphone on stage with an audience watching.