NEW YORK - Inside the Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen in Chelsea there's some Christmas magic.

Formerly homeless New Yorkers and professional singers have teamed up for an emotional performance of "Amahl and the Night Visitors".

The 1951 opera re-imagines the nativity story from the point of view of a poor boy and his mother. It asks what someone who has very little can give to others.

Chorus member Kristine Flood has been homeless many times in her life. She's singing in the choir alongside other formerly homeless New Yorkers.

"I've been homeless multiple times in my life. It gives me a chance to get back into performing. it gives me a chance to hopefully give other people who have struggled in their lives some hope," Flood said.

Eric Einhorn is the artistic Director of On Site Opera company, which is known for its performances in non-traditional venues. The soup kitchen feeds thousands of hungry new yorkers every week. Many are homeless. Staging the opera there helps raise awareness and more.

"For the singers I just hope it's an opportunity to be visible and tell their stories. For the audience I think it's a chance to look at your neighbor in a different way," Einhorn said.

To find the chorus members, On Site partnered with the local non-profit Breaking Ground, which helps provide housing and services to those in need. They put out the call.

"When you do something you really love and it makes you happy you make other people happy," said Anette Phuvan, a chorus member.

Just like this Christmas opera has a miraculous ending, everyone there hopes for one as well for this season.

To attend a remaining concert you must RSVP online.

Admission is free. Just bring a non-perishable food donation for the Soup Kitchen.

For more information, visit www.osopera.org.