Amahl and the Night Visitors
Composed by: Gian Carlo Menotti
Description
Amahl and the Night Visitors is a family-friendly opera and has been enduringly popular since its premier in 1951. Commissioned by NBC as the first opera written for television, Amahl and the Night Visitors debuted on December 24, 1951 becoming the first network television Christmas special to become an annual tradition. Composer Gian Carlo Menotti drew inspiration for the opera from Hieronymus Bosch’s The Adoration of the Magi, which hangs in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and from his childhood in Italy where gifts were brought at Christmas by the Three Kings instead of Santa Claus.
Amahl and the Night Visitors tells the story of Amahl, a shepherd boy who has a propensity to tell tall tales, and his mother. Amahl’s most recent story is about a star with a tail that moves across the sky like a chariot on fire. When three splendid strangers knock on the door and ask to rest in their tiny home, Amahl is thrilled and fascinated. When the visitors describe the miraculous child they are seeking, both Amahl and his mother are moved to give reverence to the child as well. Their humble faith conjures a miracle.
Roles Available:
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Chorus Section Leaders
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Volunteer Chorus Members
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Lead Roles have already been cast
Dates:
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Rehearsal Dates: December 1-10, 2024
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Performance Dates: December 12-14, 2024
Don Pasquale
Composed by: Gaetano Donizetti
Description
Don Pasquale "Don Pasquale" is an Italian comic opera composed by Gaetano Donizetti. It tells the story of an elderly bachelor, Don Pasquale, who decides to marry in order to punish his disobedient nephew, Ernesto. With the help of a crafty doctor, Malatesta, Pasquale arranges to marry a young woman named Norina. However, Norina and Ernesto are secretly in love, so they concoct a plan to teach Pasquale a lesson. Through a series of comedic misunderstandings and mistaken identities, the plot unfolds with humor and wit, ultimately leading to a happy resolution where Pasquale learns the folly of his ways. The opera is renowned for its lively music, amusing characters, and farcical situations.
Roles Available:
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All Lead Characters
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Chorus Section Leaders
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Volunteer Chorus Members
Dates:
Rehearsal Dates: March 15-28
Tech Week Dates: March 29- April 1
Performance Dates: April 3-5
Opera Bytes
~ A Byte Size Musical Production~
Description
Opera Bytes is an ongoing project that was borne through tandem efforts to bring high-quality performances to a broad audience who may be unfamiliar with opera. Opera Bytes programming takes place in a hybrid format, encompassing virtual livestreams along with in person performances. Our artists include members of Huntsville’s thriving music and arts scene; singers are drawn from Opera Huntsville's own staff, educators and alumni from prestigious local university music departments (especially HBCUs), and from the professional singing community at large. Opera Bytes are about one hour in length.
Roles Available:
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All Voice Types
Dates:
Autumn Arias | September 26, 2024
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Straight to Ale- Speak Easy
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2610 Clinton Ave W, Huntsville, AL 35805
Giving Tuesday Concert | December 3, 2024
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Grace United Methodist Church
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2113 Old Monrovia Rd NW, Huntsville, AL 35806
Serenade of Love and Vines | February 13, 2025
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TBD
March Gladness | March 6, 2025
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Trinity Baptist Church- Madison
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1088 Hughes Rd, Madison, AL 35758
Apprentice Showcase | May 3, 2025
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UAH- Roberts Recital Hall
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301 Sparkman Drive, Huntsville, AL 35899
Juneteenth: American Black Excellence | June 19, 2025
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St. Johns AME Church
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229 Church St NW, Huntsville, AL 35801
Apprentice Program
Description
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To educate performers in the greater Huntsville area on the nature of a professional operatic theatrical production
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To create opportunities for talented vocalist to learn a complete operatic role
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To cultivate training situations for performers to get to know more experienced performers
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To expand and elevate the performance skills and expectations of local Huntsville musicians
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To facilitate partnerships with local universities’ outstanding talent
Roles Available:
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Ages 16 and up
Masterclass Day: TBD
Apprentice Showcase | May 3, 2025
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UAH- Roberts Recital Hall
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301 Sparkman Drive, Huntsville, AL 35899
Opera Huntsville is dedicated to community growth by hiring 60% of local talent across each season. We open auditions to the public. We cannot guarantee production placement for every individual, however we gladly offer volunteer opportunities. Opera Huntsville welcomes experienced production team members; including but not limited to, stage managers, stage directors, music directors, choreographers, fight masters, etc. If you are interested in joining the team please send an email to info@operahuntsville.org.