The Garment of Praise Opera World Premiere

Sometimes, the most beautiful things are the result of friendship. Take for example The Garment of Praise, a new opera composed by Gonzaga University Jesuit priest Father Kevin Waters. After plenty of visits to Waters’ office and moments spent bonding over their shared love of arts and music, Gonzaga leadership studies Professor Shann Ray Ferch wrote the libretto (text to the opera) to his friend Waters’ composition. The pair now have recruited a talented group of singers and dancers to perform the opera after working on it for seven years. The opera’s premiere takes place this Friday, and tells a story following John the Baptist’s parents as they navigate the difficulties of being unable to conceive. Waters, 91, is a world-renowned composer, and Ferch a prolific writer with many accolades, including an American Book Award.

The Garment of Praise • Fri, Feb. 7 at 7 pm • $10-$35 • Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center • 211 E. Desmet Ave. • gonzaga.edu/mwpac