An image may say a thousand words, but a song has the ability to tell a story.

For Meg Frazier, director of choral activities and coordinator of vocal studies, storytelling through music is a passion she shares with many New Orleanians.

“One of the reasons we sing is because music has a way of expressing things that can’t quite be expressed by words alone. Sometimes hearing music carries the listener through empathy and understanding to healing,” Frazier said.

To capture the tale of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, Loyola University New Orleans’ chamber chorus will join Southern Methodist University’s chamber orchestra and chorus, along with Chalmette High School’s children’s chorus, to present the new opera “Wading Home.”

The performance will be held Saturday, Sept. 12, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 13, at 3 p.m. in Roussel Hall. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted to benefit The Roots of Music and the Bruce Foote Memorial Scholarship Foundation, Inc.

Alex Mena, music junior and Loyola chamber singer, said she is excited to be able to perform in the show.

“It has been a bit stressful with the short amount of time we’ve had to prepare. Although, I’m very grateful to be a part of such an inspiring performance,” Mena said.

Givonna Joseph, Loyola alum and founder and director of OperaCréole, a company dedicated to researching and performing operatic and classical pieces by composers of African descent, will be singing the role of Sylvia in the show. As a first-hand witness of the devastation of Katrina, Joseph said that “Wading Home” is especially dear to her heart.

“The fact that it is telling our story is important, and musically, it nicely incorporates jazz and the sounds of Americana in it. There will be something that aficionados of different musical genres will enjoy,” Joseph said.

Frazier said the performance is emotionally expressive and will keep audience members attention through the final act.

“Many audience members will be able to relate to the family’s story, which, like real life, has its ups and downs, joys and disappointments,” Frazier said.