Silent Night
This event happened in 2018, to find our current shows, visit: https://mnopera.org/season/fall-season/
Music by Kevin Puts | Libretto by Mark Campbell
Based on the screenplay by Christian Carion
For the motion picture Joyeux Noël produced by Nord-Ouest
Commissioned by MN Opera as part of its New Works Initiative
A Moment of Peace in the Midst of War
MN Opera’s international sensation makes its homecoming, honoring the centennial of World War I’s conclusion. Recounting a miraculous moment of peace during one of the bloodiest wars in human history, Scottish, French, and German officers defy their superiors and negotiate a Christmas Eve truce. The Pulitzer Prize-winning music underscores the yearning, despair, and hope of the soldiers living in the trenches. Silent Night masterfully juxtaposes the bombastic sounds of war with serene songs from home, and stands as a heartfelt hymn to our common humanity.
Language
Sung in English, German, French, Italian, and Latin with English translations above the stage
Runtime
Approximately two hours and 28 minutes with one intermission
Warning
This production contains theatrical haze, strobe lighting, loud explosions, gunshots, and simulated cigarette smoking.
Kevin Puts on Silent Night
Meet the Artist
Read MoreKarin Wolverton
Soprano Karin Wolverton sat down with us to talk about stepping back into the role of courageous opera singer Anna Sørensen in Silent Night and her favorite things about spending the holidays in Minnesota.
Synopsis
Learn MorePrologue
Late summer, 1914. War is declared. At a Berlin opera house, the announcement disrupts the careers and personal lives of international opera singers Anna Sørensen and Nikolaus Sprink.
Composer Biography
Learn MoreKevin Puts
Winner of the 2012 Pulitzer Prize for his debut opera Silent Night, Kevin Puts has been hailed as one of the most important composers of his generation …
Director's Notes
Read MoreEric Simonson
Stage Director Eric Simonson outlines the recreation and inspiration behind the Pulitzer Prize-winning opera Silent Night…