Octavia and the Cats of Rome: Music of Italy

April 18, 2026

11:00 am

PFW Music Center

Troy Webdell, conductor
Ian Williams, narrator
Fort Wayne Dance Collective

Ciao!  Come along with operatic narrator Ian Williams and the Cats of Rome as they discover the sights and sounds of Italy! Featuring the bilingual book Octavia and the Cats of Rome by Claudia Cerulli, music from Ottorino Respighi’s Symphonic Roman Trilogy including Pines of Rome, Fountains of Rome, and Feste Romane, and the Fort Wayne Dance Collective.  Before this Italian adventure begins, we will announce our 2026 Music Educator of the Year Award winners! 

This concert welcomes all, including individuals with sensory sensitivities and diverse abilities. We provide the following resources: social story PDF/video, sign language interpreter, narrator, calming area, pre-concert activities, sensory fidgets, noise canceling headphones (while supplies last), and a feedback survey for patrons to share their thoughts.

Registration is required for this event. Registration will open 30 days prior to performance date.

Program

PUCCINI
Nessun Dorma from Turandot
RESPIGHI
The Pines of Villa Borghese from Pines of Rome, P. 141
RESPIGHI
The Pines of the Janiculum from Pines of Rome, P. 141
MOZART
“Non piú andrai” from Le nozze di Figaro
RESPIGHI
The Triton Fountain at Morn from Fountains of Rome, P. 106
PUCCINI
“Vecchia zimarra senti” from La bohème
DONIZETI
“Come paride vezzoso” from L’elisir d’amore
RESPIGHI
Epiphany from Roman Festivals, P. 157

Sponsors

  • Aspire Music Therapy
  • Canterbury School
  • Fort Wayne Children’s Choir
  • Franklin Electric
  • Judy Pursley
  • Mainstay Music Therapy
  • Purdue University Fort Wayne
  • Sweetwater Sound