Several Hope College students will participate in an opera workshop on Thursday, Feb. 28, at 7:30 p.m. in Wichers Auditorium of Nykerk Hall of Music.

The public is invited. Admission is free.

The Opera Workshop will be performing an all-Menotti program. Gian Carlo Menotti was one of the great American vocal composers of the 20th century. He excelled at setting English words to music, and is remembered as much for his libretti for works by Samuel Barber and other composers as he is for the operas and songs he composed on his own texts.

Menotti's operas, particularly the early ones, are ideal vehicles for young American singers, according to Dr. Margaret Kennedy-Dygas, professor of music and chairperson of the department, who directs the opera workshop. She noted that the characters are well developed and the vocal lines very accessible for young voices.

The program for the workshop will include scenes from "The Medium," "Amahl and the Night Visitors," and "The Old Maid and the Thief."

The student accompanists will be sophomores Robin Litscher of Lebanon, Ind., and Sally VanderPloeg, of Holland. The singers will be senior Isaac Droscha of Mason; senior Kay Gillette of Grand Ledge; junior Susie Jolink of Grandville; junior Sarah Koon of Bexley, Ohio; junior Caitlin Lautz of Wheaton, Ill.; junior Katie Ross of St. Louis Park, Minn.; and sophomore Briana Sosenheimer of Fort Wayne, Ind.

The Opera Workshop emphasizes beginning-level training for voice students in lyric acting. Since the performance will be held in Wichers, costumes and sets are minimal.

Nykerk Hall of Music is located at the former 177 E. 12th St. between College and Columbia avenues.