In 1951, NBC commissioned Gian Carlo Menotti to write a new opera for the debut of the Hallmakrk Hall of Fame television program. Network executives were hoping for a market for opera in the American public. They were rewarded with a live audience of 5 million viewers across 35 NBC affiliates.

We will present Amahl in black and white just as it was on Christmas Eve, 1951. It is the first live opera ever presented on American television, and is certainly the great grandfather to the wildly successful Metropolitan Live in HD opera series.

Menotti wrote the opera to celebrate his experience with Christmas as a youth growing up in Italy, where there was no Santa Claus in turn of the century Italy. In early 20-century Italy, the Magi brought Christmas gifts to children after they fell asleep on Chirstmas Eve.

Duration: 55 mins

Libretto for Amahl and the Night Visitors.

In November of 1951 Menotti had not yet finished the score of the opera. A chance stroll through the Metropolitan Museum of Art found him standing before Bosch's "Adoration of the Magi." As he was admiring the canvas, he heard a melody coming from the blue hills in the background of the painting. With this additional inspiration and help from Samuel Barber, Amahl was finished in short order. NBC Symphony conductor Arturo Toscanini believed it to be Menotti's best work.