Princess Joy and the Emotions Factory

Princess Joy and the Emotions Factory is a narrated work for orchestra with text by Yannets Levi. Inspired by the tradition of Peter and the Wolf, it blends storytelling, character, and music to create a richly layered introduction to orchestral drama for audiences of all ages. In a kingdom filled with feelings, Princess Joy mourns the loss of her mother while her father, the king, withdraws into silence. When Mr. Tycoonovski arrives with a machine that promises to erase sadness, the king agrees, and all emotions vanish. Artificial, pre-packaged feelings take their place. Princess Joy resists and restores her people to the richness of authentic emotion, revealing the healing power of embracing the full spectrum of human experience. Each emotion—joy, sorrow, envy, love, fear, frustration—is given its own musical theme. Characters are also portrayed musically, allowing listeners to track their journeys as the music transforms. With the narrator guiding the story, the piece combines color, rhythmic energy, and emotional nuance. It is rewarding for musicians while remaining accessible to young ears, and is well suited for chamber or small orchestras. The work can also be adapted with visuals, projected text, or simple staging