Dec 27 broadcast of "The Fourth Wiseman"

"The Fourth Wiseman" is the story of the forgotten visitor at the Nativity, the Slaughter of the Innocents, and finally The Last Supper. Based on the novel of the same title by Michel Tournier, this church opera follows in the steps of Benjamin Britten's "The Prodigal Son" or "Noye's Fludde."

The performing forces are a trio of young voices who are the angels watching over the fourth wiseman, Rajar, who comes to Bethlehem with his gift of sweets. Adult soloists are Rajar (tenor), Demas (baritone), Melchior (tenor), Gaspard (baritone), Balthazzar (bass), and Mother/Woman (alto). The mixed chorus is broken into two groups and the orchestra is made up of 13 instruments which corresponds to the number of those attending the Last Supper.

A reduced orchestration for organ and percussion was directed by Neva Pilgrim and performed by the Syracuse Society of New Music. This version will be broadcast.

Music by Randall Davidson. Libretto based on Michel Tournier's "The Fourth Wiseman" by George Sand.

Broadcast on Sunday, December 27, 2009 at 2pm Eastern on WCNY/Syracuse. Streaming audio at http://www.wcny.org/component/option,com_wrapper/Itemid,128/

Merry Christmas!