Alleluya Ringers with Dallas Opera

Just a few weeks after hosting an Aurora exhibit, FirstChurch’s relationship with the Arts District will be showcased yet again in the world premier of Becoming Santa Claus. This tale of how Santa Claus became the jolly man we’ve grown to know and love will open on December 4 at the Winspear Opera House.

Some of our very own handbell ringers will be showcased in Becoming Santa Claus on Dec. 4, 6, 9 and 12. On opening night, the Chancel Choir will assume a supporting role to the ringers by singing holiday music in the Winspear lobby before the performance, and we hope that you and your families will support as audience members.

Connected by Meredith Wallace, FirstChurch member and Artistic Director at the Dallas Opera, FirstChurch Organist & Handbell Director Tim Effler and American composer-librettist Mark Adamo collaborated on several iterations to add a shimmering and ethereal motif.

“I could not have done it without him,” said Adamo of Effler’s contribution. “He was very generous to take a composer who knows nothing about the instrument and teach me what I needed to know.”

Handbells have never been incorporated in an opera, and Effler said of the partnership, “It’s been cool to combine two things that I never thought would meet: handbells and opera.”

Tickets on sale here.