The Gift of the Magi (Conte opera)

The Gift of the Magi is a one-act opera composed by David Conte based on the short story of the same name by O. Henry. The libretto was written by Nicholas Giardini. The opera premiered in 1982 at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music.

The opera generally follows the plot of O. Henry's short story: a young, impoverished couple, Della and Jim, each secretly decide to sell their most prized possession to buy the other a Christmas gift. Della sells her beautiful, long hair to buy Jim a watch chain, while Jim sells his cherished pocket watch to buy Della combs for her hair. The opera explores themes of love, sacrifice, and irony.

While not one of the most frequently performed operas in the standard repertoire, The Gift of the Magi has received productions from various opera companies, university opera programs, and smaller ensembles, particularly during the Christmas season. It's often chosen for its accessibility, shorter length, and heartwarming story. The vocal requirements are generally considered moderate, making it suitable for a range of singers.