'Amahl and the Night Visitors' Dec. 8 at Kroc Center

COEUR d'ALENE - Coeur d'Alene Symphony Chamber Orchestra, Saint George's Chamber Choir and Guest Artists will present "Amahl and the Night Visitors" in two shows on Dec. 8 at the Kroc Center.

Amahl and the Night Visitors is a one-act opera, in English, composed by Gian Carlo Menotti for the debut of NBC's Hall of Fame.

It was broadcast live in 1951 and was the first opera written for television.

It has continued to be performed many times since then and is popular with audiences and musicians for its music as well as its uplifting story.

It is the story of Amahl, a crippled shepherd boy who is visited by the Three Wise Men on their journey to Bethlehem. The villagers all join the festivities as Amahl and his mother welcome the Wise Men into their humble home.

Amahl offers his only possession, his crutch, to the Wise Men as a gift to the Holy Child. He is miraculously healed and goes with the Wise Men to give thanks to the Messiah.

The cast includes singers, dancers and musicians - and a magic box.

In addition to the St. George's School Chamber Choir, the singers include Patti Mortier/Michelle McFadden as the mother, Quincy McFaul as Amahl, Steve Mortier, Ken Campbell, John Frankhauser as the Three Kings, and the St. George's Chamber Choir.

The Chamber Orchestra, directed by David Demand, is comprised of members of the Coeur d'Alene Symphony.

The two performances will be at 2 and 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $20 adults, $15 seniors (65 and up), $8 youth and students.

Tickets are available from the Symphony Office, 765-3833, www.cdasymphony.org, Great Harvest Bread, Burt's Music, or at the door.