Mahogany Opera and Britten Pears Arts will present the world premiere of a new community opera by Errollyn Wallen, Master of the King’s Music, this November.

“A Christmas Miracle” is a retelling of the Christmas story for the 21st century and is inspired by Benjamin Britten’s own unrealized plans for a community opera on the same subject. Drawing on texts from the Chester Mystery Plays, Wallen’s opera incorporates beloved Christmas carols designed for audience sing-along participation.

The world premiere will take place on Nov. 20 and 21 at Orford Church in Suffolk and will then travel to Wallen’s home of Orkney for performances at St. Magnus Cathedral on Dec. 4 and 5.

The cast features soprano Hilary Cronin and soprano Emma Tring sharing the role of Angel Gabriel; countertenor Andrew Watts as Herod; mezzo-soprano Idunnu Münch as Melchior; and actor-singer Nick Mercer as Preco/MC. John Andrews conducts musicians from Ensemble X, with whom Wallen regularly collaborates.

“It is hard to put into words how wonderful it is to be involved in this new opera. It is a joy to be bringing ‘A Christmas Miracle’ to life with this great team. As Master of The King’s Music, my stated focus has been on music-making for all, and I am proud to be part of this all-embracing musical adventure,” Wallen said per an official press release.

A Christmas Miracle is conceived as a large-scale participatory work. A touring company of four professional singers and 10 instrumentalists will join a community cast of 80 to 100 participants of varying ages, backgrounds, and abilities at each venue.

The production is co-produced by Britten Pears Arts and supported by Jubilee Opera and Orkney Music and Culture.