Opera Philadelphia’s Christmas in July

Opera Philadelphia brings its multitalented singers, orchestra, and chorus to the Twilight Concert Series at Cooper River Park in Pennsauken for a family-friendly night of opera conducted by Collingswood’s Elizabeth Braden. The free, 90-minute concert begins with some of opera’s most beloved and popular songs and concludes with a full performance of Gian Carlo Menotti’s magical holiday classic ‘Amahl and the Night Visitors,’ about a little shepherd boy who encounters the Three Kings on their way to Bethlehem.

Dubbed ‘Opera Philadelphia’s Christmas in July,’ the concert is part of a special 2023 Twilight Concert Series lineup to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Cooper River Park. Patrons are encouraged to bring their own chairs. There is free parking on site.

‘Amahl and the Night Visitors’ is a family-friendly opera and has been enduringly popular since its premiere in 1951. It 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.

Ethan Monberg stars as Amahl, with soprano Maren Montalbano as Amahl’s mother. Tenor Cory O’Niell Walker sings Kaspar, with bass Michael Miller as Melchior, bass John David Miles as Balthazar, and baritone Mark Hosseini as the Page. They are joined by 12 singers from the Opera Philadelphia Chorus and 18 musicians of the Opera Philadelphia Orchestra.