Notes from the Music Director

LESLIE DALA, Music Director

Although Gian Carlo Menotti’s opera Amahl and the Night Visitors was not the first piece written specifically for families and children, it was certainly the most recognized and beloved for decades. Repeatedly dismissed by critics for being “naive, sentimental, melodramatic”, Menotti is a much underappreciated composer who stayed true to his own inner artistic voice as the librettist and composer of 27 opera and stage works despite all the negative criticism. His music is perfectly suited to the singing voice in an approachable tonal language which was certainly not an acceptable style of composition in the increasingly conservative world of the 1950’s (musical, social, political).

And yet, here is this charming story inspired by a magnificent Bosch painting and Menotti’s own magical childhood memories of Christmas far removed from the commercialism that it has so sadly become burdened with today. The message of hope and charity and love are central to our human experience and Menotti captures these so perfectly throughout the work. From the very outset with the hauntingly beautiful introduction we are transported to another world. The music is rich and varied from the joyful shepherd’s tune that Amahl plays on his pipes, the mysterious and majestic aura of the entrance of the Magi, the exuberance and zest of the shepherd’s chorus, the anguished thoughts and fears of Amahl’s mother are so immediately tangible through Menotti’s carefully crafted work.

For me personally, the greatest gift of this piece has been the opportunity to share the experience with my son, Andreas, in the title role. Music captures and portrays the strongest emotional connections and my sincere hope is that the experience of this piece can connect us all with our inner child to reclaim the wondrous, magical world as seen through the eyes of Amahl.

Maestro Leslie Dala is Associate Conductor, Chorus Director, and Yulanda M. Faris Young Artists Program Director at Vancouver Opera as well as Music Director of the Vancouver Bach Choir.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE SCORE OF AMAHL

Listen to some of the musical highlights from this opera in this video with Leslie Dala, Music Director and Pianist of Amahl and the Night Visitors.

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