March 8th, 2025 11:00am–12:00pm

Free with museum admission

Please register at the admission desk on the morning of the performance
Recommended for children, families, and caregivers

Frida Kahlo and the bravest niña in el mundo is an interactive children’s opera composed by Joe Illick with libretto written by Mark Campbell. The story is about Mariana, a young girl living in Mexico City in the late 1940s. Mariana’s family encourages her to have her portrait painted by the renowned artist, Frida Kahlo. Mariana is initially frightened, but is emboldened and charmed by Kahlo, the animals in her household including a monkey, a parrot and a dog, and a visit by the exuberant artist Diego Rivera. As Mariana sits for her portrait, she learns all about Frida’s life, and begins to understand the meaning of bravery.

The 45-minute opera explores the art of Frida Kahlo as well as themes of courage and family. After the program concludes, there will be post-performance discussion between the artists and attendees.

The performance is presented by Opera Saratoga's Education Program. Each year, Opera Saratoga tours an Opera production to more than fifty schools and organizations throughout the greater Capital and lower Adirondack regions of NY. The performances feature charismatic professional artists who love to share their joy of music and theater through the opera, as well as through question and answer sessions where participants have the opportunity to meet the artists and learn about the music and what it takes to put on a performance.

In a world where the default forms of entertainment for children are primarily television, video games, and the Internet, Opera Saratoga’s education program provides youth with an all-too-rare opportunity to experience the visceral thrill of the live performing arts, up close and personal!

For more information, visit operasaratoga.org.