RADFORD – The Radford University Opera Ensemble, directed by music professor Clarity James, presents the children’s opera “The Forbidden Valley” on Saturday, Nov. 15, at 2 p.m., in Bondurant Auditorium, Preston Hall. The play was written by RU professor emeritus Kathryn Garland Obenshain.

“The Forbidden Valley” deals with attempts to find a peaceful solution to many years of hatred and fighting between the countries of Felina, ruled by Queen Caterina (a cat), and Caniterra, with King Beauchien (a dog) in charge.  Other characters are Sir Francis, factotum to the queen; Madame Gertrude, the king’s chatelaine; and her irrepressible young assistant Deena.

The opera is Obenshain’s sixth for the ensemble, which will also present performances in Christiansburg, Pembroke, Elliston and Roanoke elementary schools on November 12 and 13.  

Brenda Williams is accompanist for the group. Ensemble members are  RU students Catherine Blackburn, Natalie Green, Cody Kesling, Kiersten Miller, Ashley Morgan, Clara Lee and Joshua Younger.

James formed a highly successful outreach program in 1996 to introduce opera to children of Southwest Virginia who had little or no experience of opera or other art music.  

Admission is free. To learn more, e-mail cjames@radford.edu.