(Posted Jan. 6, 2016)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
For the second time in four years, London resident Luke Peart, 12, is playing the lead role in “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” a production of Opera Project Columbus.
The opera tells the story of the Christian epiphany, the journey of the three kings to visit the Christ child, from the point of view of a poor boy and his mother. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Jan. 8 and 3:30 p.m. Jan. 10 at the Lincoln Theatre, 769 E. Long St., Columbus.
Peart, son of Valerie and Jamie Peart, first landed the role of Amahl in 2012. He tried out again this year and is one of two boy sopranos playing the part. Jeremy Hardjano stars on Friday. Peart takes center stage on Sunday.
When asked to compare opera with other styles of singing and acting, Peart said, “It’s different but easy to learn if you have the background, and I’ve worked to achieve that background.”
Peart, a seventh-grader at London Middle School, started taking singing lessons from an early age. He sings in the adult choir at London First United Methodist Church, and he and his older sister, Ruth, regularly perform at functions around Madison County.
For the past three years, Peart has been a member of the New World Singers, part of the Columbus Children’s Choir. A few years ago, the group traveled to Spain to perform in the International Music Festival of Grenada.
Peart’s connection to Opera Project Columbus came through his elementary music teacher, who encouraged him to try out for “Amahl” in 2012. Peart said he enjoys both singing and acting and is happy to once again be part of the production.
“The joy of being able to tell the story and be a part of the story and be able to convey who your character really is, is always fun to get across to your audience,” he said.
“Amahl and the Night Visitors” will be fully staged, featuring the Opera Project Columbus orchestra led by Maestro Alessandro Siciliani. The production also will include “Adoration of the Magi” as a prelude to the opera. Tickets can be purchased at the CAPA box office and at Ticketmaster.
Opera Project Columbus is a non-profit arts organization founded in 2011. The group’s mission is to: provide a platform for exceptional opera singers and instrumen-talists in central Ohio; to do it on a scale that is accessible, intimate and affordable; and to make opera appealing and approachable for audiences of all ages. Go to www.operaprojectcolumbus.org to learn more.
