Amahl is a grand opera in English with an unforgettable Christmas message deftly crafted around the visit of the Three Kings to a poor shepherd and his mother. The beautiful music was composed by Gian Carlo Menotti, an Italian-born American composer. The first production, commissioned by NBC, was performed live on television on Christmas Eve 1951. It was performed live every Christmas Eve until 1963 when it was recorded for the first time.