The Ugly Duckling is a whimsical retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved fairy tale, with an original score by composer Andrew Duncan. This production allows students to experience the thrill of opera—at their very own school—through a story that encourages young people to accept the differences in others.
 

In this tale, the Ugly Duckling doesn’t fit in with the other ducklings because she looks and sounds different than they do. After discovering the Big Bad Wolf’s tricks and saving the other ducklings from danger, the Ugly Duckling teaches those around her an important lesson about kindness, courage, and appreciating others for who they are.
 

Through this adaptation of the classic fairy tale, students will be exposed to operatic music and classical singing, while also exploring the important themes of diversity and tolerance.

Designed specifically for children in Pre-K through 3rd grade, The Ugly Duckling celebrates kindness, confidence, and self-discovery through an engaging production and character photo opportunities.

EPSG:4326

The Ugly Duckling

Fort Worth Zoo

Rose Marine Theater

Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Girl in the World is a 35-minute performance based on the acclaimed book by author and illustrator Laurence Anholt that tells the true story of a young girl named Mariana who lives in Mexico City. Overcoming her awe and fear of the famous artist Frida Kahlo, Mariana forms an unlikely friendship with the vibrant painter.

Join Mariana on her magical journey as she sits for her portrait and discovers the power of bravery and friendship. With original music and colorful characters, this heartwarming tale is perfect for the whole family. Young audiences will delight in participating in this musical adventure that brings this beautiful story to life. Created for students in grades 4–8, this inspiring opera celebrates courage, creativity, and the power of finding your own voice through the story of one of history's most iconic artists. Puppets are part of the performance, and after the show, families can enjoy a special puppet photo experience!

Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Girl in the World

A newly created, family-friendly experience at The Woman’s Club of Fort Worth, Harmony for the Holidays is the perfect way to begin the holiday season. Thoughtfully designed to be a warm and welcoming gathering for the community, this event invites audiences to step into a nostalgic holiday celebration filled with music, joy, and tradition.  

 

Featuring Fort Worth Opera’s Hattie Mae Lesley Resident Artists, this interactive event blends beloved holiday classics, elevated seasonal selections, and meaningful performances chosen by the artists themselves.

Harmony for the Holidays

The Woman's Club of Fort Worth

The holiday season begins with Fort Worth Opera’s return to Stage West Theatre on Saturday, December 12 and Sunday, December 13, 2026, for Gian Carlo Menotti’s beloved Christmas opera Amahl and the Night Visitors, a heartwarming family tradition for local audiences. This quietly magical work has been cherished since its historic premiere, broadcast live on NBC on Christmas Eve 1951 as the first opera ever composed for television.

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Directed by Anthony D. Pound, this new production features the company’s talented Hattie Mae Lesley Resident Artists, including tenor Cecil Garrison as the warm and whimsical King Kaspar, bass Noah Mond as the noble King Melchior, and mezzo-soprano Lauren Salazar as the Page and Shepherdess. This timeless production honors the opera’s enduring legacy as a work that speaks with clarity and compassion to audiences of all ages.

Amahl and the Night Visitors

Stage West Theatre

This season, Fort Worth Opera is giving its Resident Artists the opportunity to step into the spotlight and curate concert experiences of their own with Cowboys and Culture, presented February 7 and 14, 2027, at 7 p.m. in the Fort Worth Stockyards at the Stockman's Club. The two concerts will offer audiences an intimate introduction to the Resident Artists as individual performers. Rather than presenting a traditional company recital, each performance will feature just two Resident Artists, who will select repertoire from their own musical interests and create a program that reflects their individual voices and personalities. February 7 will feature soprano Rayna Mia Campbell and tenor Cecil Garrison. The Stockyards serve as a distinctly Fort Worth destination for the performances, bringing together two defining elements of the city’s cultural identity: the cowboy and the arts.

Cowboys & Culture – Lauren & Noah

Fort Worth Stockyards

Project: Opera returns for a second year with Project: Opera –Macbeth, a student-centered exploration of Verdi’s powerful adaptation of Shakespeare’s tragedy. Through a TEKS-aligned, multi-week residency, professional teaching artists and the Hattie Mae Lesley Resident Artists work directly with high school students to explore operatic storytelling, music, and performance. Directed by Anthony D. Pound, this 60-minute English adaptation will be performed on participating school campuses throughout the season, culminating in student performances that expand access to the arts and inspire the next generation of performers and audiences.

Lauren Salazar

Events

Upcoming events

Sep 26, 2026 - Mar 6, 2027

The Ugly Duckling · Fort Worth Opera

Nov 7, 2026 - Mar 6, 2027

Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Girl in the World · Fort Worth Opera

Nov 21, 2026

Harmony for the Holidays · Fort Worth Opera

12 - 13 Dec, 2026

Amahl and the Night Visitors · Fort Worth Opera

7 - 14 Feb, 2027

Cowboys & Culture – Lauren & Noah · Fort Worth Opera

Future and recently performed repertoire

Singer in Macbeth by Verdi

Fort Worth Opera

Singer in Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Girl in the World by Illick

Fort Worth Opera

Shepherd in Amahl and the Night Visitors by Menotti

Fort Worth Opera

About

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