UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State School of Music in the College of Arts and Architecture will offer two family-friendly performances this fall, inviting young audiences to explore the performing arts through interactive storytelling, imaginative characters and engaging music.

From a musical journey through Pennsylvania folklore to a modern opera that explores big emotions, the performances introduce children to live music while encouraging creativity, curiosity and connection.

1:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, Recital Hall

Penn State Opera, directed by Professor Dawn Pierce, will present "Dragon’s Breath," a modern opera composed by Evan Mack with a libretto by Joshua McGuire. Created for elementary-aged audiences, the approximately 50-minute production follows 11-year-old Alan as he learns to navigate feelings of anger, represented through the imaginative image of a dragon.

Blending humor, expressive music and engaging storytelling, the opera explores emotional awareness, empathy, perseverance and self-confidence. Through Alan’s journey, young audience members are invited to reflect on their own feelings and consider how understanding emotions can help them build stronger relationships with others.

The production is designed for students in grades two through five and features four vocal performers accompanied by a pianist. Its portable format makes it well suited for school settings, bringing the experience of live opera directly to young audiences.

The performance also extends beyond the stage. Penn State music education students will provide classroom resources and interactive activities connected to social-emotional learning goals, giving teachers opportunities to continue conversations and reflection with students after the performance. Additionally, "Dragon’s Breath" is touring throughout local elementary schools from November through December.

Admission to "Dragon’s Breath" is free. Families are invited to come early to experience interactive activities in the lobby, starting at 12:45 p.m. Read more about "Dragon's Breath" here.

6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, Recital Hall

The Penn State Symphonic Wind Ensemble, directed by Professor Tonya Mitchell-Spradlin, invites audiences to follow a hero’s story in "Critters, Creatures, and Tall Tales: A Hero’s Journey," an immersive and interactive concert featuring music inspired by adventure, folklore and the natural world.

Horn professor Sarah Schouten takes center stage in Elizabeth Raum’s horn concerto, "Sherwood Legend," portraying the Swashbuckling Hero, the Pensive Romantic and the Unabashed Scoundrel along the way. As the story unfolds, audiences will encounter the Fearsome Critters of the Pennsylvania wilds, join King Mangoberry’s entourage, and pause for a moment of reflection with Dusk before the hero reaches her final destination.

Designed to engage audiences of all ages, the performance combines musical storytelling with an imaginative exploration of characters and places, offering families an opportunity to experience the excitement of a live wind ensemble concert together.

Tickets are available through the Arts Ticket Center.