Last Sunday in the Anglican Cathedral the performance of "Amahl and the Night Visitors", a made for American television Christmas operetta composed by Gian Carlo Menotti, was a rare visit of this work to Ballarat. Overseas it performances of the operetta are an annual event.

The work requires a boy soprano in the title role and Liam Pain did an admirable job in projecting his part of the story. The three kings, David Campbell, Alex Owens and Nick Xiao demonstrated quality vocal and theatrical skills, all three being experienced performers from Melbourne.

Myfanwy Coghill, in the role of Amahl's mother, delivered this key role with great commitment and skill, projecting the extremes of her emotions effectively. Members of the Ballarat Choral Society made up the chorus of shepherds and villagers.

Piano accompanist Elena Polevaya gave solid support from start to finish while conductor Hugh McKelvey directed this charming Christmas piece with precision.