Balthasar, Costume Study for Amahl

Amahl and the Night Visitors, by Gian Carlo Menotti (1911-2007), was the first opera written for American television, premiering on NBC (National Broadcasting Channel) on 24 December 1951 and aired every Christmas until 1966. The plot concerns a young shepherd who encounters the three Magi on their quest to present gifts to the newborn Christ. The overwhelming popularity of the program led to a version the following year at New York City Opera, with the lead actors reprising their roles under Menotti's direction. The present design for that production depicts an elaborate, exotic costume for one of the Magi. -Jennifer Tonkovich, 2009