by Kevin Puts
In Silent Night, war and music collide in the most extraordinary way. Composer Kevin Puts and librettist Mark Campbell’s Pulitzer Prize-winning opera brings to life the true story of a spontaneous ceasefire on Christmas Eve during World War I, when soldiers on opposite sides of the battlefield found humanity in one another through song.
Based on the 2005 film Joyeux Noël, this powerful opera transports us to the trenches of 1914, when Scottish, French and German soldiers are caught in the brutality of war. But on one remarkable night, their weapons fall silent. Moved by the voice of a German opera singer conscripted into battle, they step from their trenches to share songs, stories and even a game of soccer. It’s a fleeting moment of peace that defies orders, risks everything and reminds us of the power of music to unite us, even in our darkest hours.
Puts’ sweeping score blends simple folk tunes and cinematic orchestration, capturing the raw emotion of battle and brotherhood. Conceived by stage director Tomer Zvulun, this production has won multiple awards, including the Irish Times Theatre Award for Best Opera, and has captivated audiences across the world.
Florida Grand Opera couldn’t think of a more fitting way to open their season than with Silent Night, especially in November, when we honor our veterans and wartime heroes on Veterans Day. This season also marks the launch of Voices of Wellness, a Florida Grand Opera initiative that invites first responders, veterans, military personnel and medical professionals to experience the magic of opera.
