Shara Nova

WEST LIBERTY — West Liberty University will welcome Grammy-nominated composer, vocalist and interdisciplinary artist Shara Nova for a special guest talk at noon on Wednesday, March 18, in Kelly Theatre.

The event, hosted by the WLU Department of Music and Theater, is free and open to the campus community.

Nova will speak about her work as a composer and performer and share insights into her creative process and guiding principles for building a life in music.

Best known for her chamber-pop project My Brightest Diamond, Nova has released six albums blending classical, pop, and experimental music. Her most recent album, “Fight The Real Terror,” was released in September 2024.

Nova was also an original member of the Broadway production “Illinoise,” directed by 2024 Tony Award winner Justin Peck and co-written by Jackie Sibblies Drury.

In addition to her recording work, Nova composes for orchestras, choirs and chamber ensembles around the world. Her collaborators have included The Crossing, Conspirare, Roomful of Teeth, the Detroit Women’s Chorus, Oregon Symphony, Indianapolis Symphony, the American Composers Orchestra, and the BBC Concert Orchestra, among many others.

Her 2022 album “The Blue Hour,” released on Nonesuch Records, was named one of NPR’s Top 10 Albums of the Year.

Nova has received numerous honors throughout her career, including three Grammy nominations, an Opera America Discovery Grant, a United States Artists Fellowship and multiple Knight Arts Grants.

“We are excited to welcome Shara Nova to campus and give our students the opportunity to learn from an artist working at the highest levels of contemporary music,” said Dr. Matthew Harder, chair of West Liberty University’s Department of Music and Theater. “Her work crosses genres and disciplines, and hearing directly from her about her creative process will be an inspiring experience for our students.”

Nova is in town to perform with the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra on Friday, March 20. She will also appear in “Penelope,” a chamber opera, at Towngate Theatre in Wheeling on Tuesday, March 17. Tickets are available for both performances at wheelingsymphony.com/masterworks/.

The March 18 campus talk will provide WLU students and community members a unique opportunity to hear from the acclaimed composer while she is visiting the region.

For more information about Shara Nova, visit shara-nova.com.

West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students’ aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. To apply or learn more about West Liberty University, visit westliberty.edu.