WCU Opera Theatre Presents THE THREE FEATHERS: Magical Fairy-Tale Opera for ALL AGES IS FREE for Children 12 and Under
Saturday’s Performance Features a Partnership with N.I.C.E. (Neuro-Inclusive Campus
Environments)
Opera students in West Chester University’s (WCU) Wells School of Music (WSOM) will transport audiences to a whimsical world this fall with The Three Feathers, a charming and family-friendly opera composed by acclaimed contemporary composer Lori Laitman with a libretto by Dana Gioia, former U.S. Poet Laureate of California. Performances will be held on Friday, November 14, at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, November 15, at 3:00 p.m., in Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall, Philips Memorial Building, 700 S. High Street, West Chester, PA. Tickets for children under 12 years of age are FREE, and WCU students, faculty, and staff are free with presentation of Ram Card. All other tickets are $10 and available at wcupatix.com/schoolofmusic.
The Three Feathers follows a shy princess on a journey through the mysterious underworld where courage
and kindness lead the way. With radiant and accessible music, this enchanting opera
offers a heartwarming story for audiences of all ages and runs under an hour. Performed
in English, it is an ideal introduction to opera for young audiences and families
alike.
Director of Opera Nicholas Provenzale shares, “We’ve been having so much fun learning this magical fairy-tale opera. The students have done a fantastic job preparing this complex yet beautiful score. Lori Laitman’s music is so full of character and humor, making it a joy to direct. We had the honor of hosting her earlier this month at the Wells School of Music, where she spoke about her career, her composition process, and worked directly with our cast.”
Saturday’s performance is presented in partnership with N.I.C.E. (Neuro-Inclusive Campus Environments) and is open to everyone. Before the performance, audience members are invited to enjoy a sensory-friendly craft activity in the Asplundh Concert Hall lobby between 2:00 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. More information about the N.I.C.E. initiative can be found at library.wcupa.edu/NICE.
Provenzale adds, “We’re especially excited to collaborate with N.I.C.E. for a neuro-inclusive performance where everyone is welcome. This opera is perfect for the whole family—children will love the entertaining, funny, and fast-paced story complete with a chorus of rats and frogs, while everyone will appreciate the artistry of the composer, librettist, and our talented student performers.”
Both Lori Laitman and Dana Gioia share meaningful ties to West Chester University. Gioia was one of the founders of the WCU Poetry Conference, and performances of Laitman’s art songs have been featured at past conferences—continuing the University’s tradition of celebrating the intersection of music, poetry, and storytelling.
About Lori Laitman
Lori Laitman is one of America’s most prolific and performed living composers of vocal
music. Praised for her lyricism, wit, and emotional depth, she has composed more than
250 songs and multiple operas performed by leading artists and companies around the
world. Her works have been featured by the Metropolitan Opera Guild, the BBC, and
numerous universities and festivals. Learn more at artsongs.com.
About Dana Gioia
Dana Gioia is an award-winning poet, librettist, and former Chairman of the National
Endowment for the Arts. A longtime advocate for accessibility in the arts, his poetry
and libretti have been celebrated for their clarity, rhythm, and humanity. More information
can be found at danagioia.com.