MOUNT VERNON In its continuing effort to make high quality, classical vocal programming available to all audiences and individuals, regardless of their age, income, or demographic background, Skagit Opera offers one last gasp of special Christmas music this weekend with the amazing brass ensemble, Brass Menagerie and Amahl and the Night Visitors.
Brass Menagerie will open the program along with a vocal ensemble, Cantabile of Skagit County presenting ancient and contemporary holiday music. The second half of the program features Skagit Symphonys presentation of the one-act opera, Amahl & the Night Visitors, by Gian-Carlo Menotti. This heartwarming Christmas miracle tale features unamplified vocalists and a live orchestra.
The program of very special music starts at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 22 and 23. A pre-show lecture starts at 6 p.m., Friday, Dec. 22 and is followed by complimentary appetizers, at McIntyre Hall, 2501 East College Way, in Mount Vernon.
Ticket prices range from $14 to $39 with $5 off for seniors, students and military at 360-416-7727 or 866-624-6897. Groups of 12 or more are $9 off all except box seats.
The cast of Skagit Operas Amahl includes Beth Wallace as the mother, Josh Froebe as Amahl, Scott Rittenhouse as Kaspar, Richard Riddell as Melchior, Randy Stewart as the Page and as Balthazar, Ron Wohl who is also the general director of Skagit Opera.
Stage Director is Erich Parce. Conductor is Sharyn Peterson. David Cross and Lynne Rheinhardt direct the Cantabile of Skagit County.
Brass Menagerie is comprised of Arlington High School teachers, John Grabowski, on tuba and Kipp Otterness on trumpet, as well as Oso resident Bev Soler on French horn along with Bruce Feltveit, trombone and Malcom Peterson, trumpet, of Skagit County.