Houston Grand Opera has announced that it will present a series of free summer programs for children.

There will be two types of programs. First up is “Sing! Move! Play!” which allows children to interact with some of the most famous works in the repertory through singing, movement, and creative play. They will engage with such works as “The Marriage of Figaro” and “Carmen” as well as Neopolitan Songs and Italian classics.

The second program is “Storybook Opera” during which HGO teaching arts present introductions to the world of opera via such books as “The Armadillo’s Dream,” The Three Little Pigs,” and “Ruby’s Chinese New Year,” among others.

“We are delighted to share the joy of storytelling through words and music with young Houstonians in spaces across our boundless city,” said HGO General Director and CEO Khori Dastoor per an official press statement. “Serving families seeking high-quality art and culture is central to our mission at HGO. As a mom myself, I’m always looking for opportunities for my girls to have fun, interact with their peers, and experience something truly special.”

The programs take place at Levy Park, Harris County Public Library System, Children’s Museum Houston, and Houston Public Libraries between May 18 – July 30, 2024.

Below is the full schedule:

Levy Park @ 11 a.m.

May 18: SBO/The Armadillo’s Dream
June 1: SBO/The Three Little Pigs
June 8: SMP/The Marriage of Figaro
June 15: SBO/Opera Cat!
June 22: SMP/Neapolitan Songs
July 6: SBO/Bilingual Agua/Agüita and Fuego/Fueguito
July 13: SMP/Carmen
July 20: SBO/Westward Ho, Carlotta!
July 27: SMP/The Magic Flute

Harris County Public Library System

June 4 @ 1 p.m.: Barbara Bush Branch Library, SMP/The Magic Flute
June 6 @10 a.m.: Spring Branch-Memorial Branch Library, SMP/The Magic Flute
June 11 @ 1 p.m.: Galena Park Branch Library, SBO/Bilingual Opera Cat!
June 13 @ 2 p.m.: Octavia Fields Branch Library, SMP/Italian Classics
June 17 @ 4 p.m.: Katy Branch Library, SMP/The Magic Flute
June 26 @ 11 a.m.: Evelyn Meador Branch Library, SBO/Westward Ho, Carlotta!
June 25 @ 10:15 a.m.: La Porte Branch Library, SMP/The Magic Flute
July 2 @ 11 a.m.: Aldine Branch Library, SBO/Bilingual Opera Cat!
June 27 @ 2:30 & 3:30 p.m.: Clear Lake City-County Freeman Branch Library, Italian Classics
July 10 @ 3 p.m.: South Houston Branch Library, SBO/Bilingual Agua/Agüita and Fuego/Fueguito
July 1 @ 10 a.m.: West University Branch Library, SMP/Italian Classics
July 8-12 daily @ 1 p.m.: Sing! Move! Play! Camp at Barbara Bush Branch Library—a week of singing, dance, crafting, and more
July 16 @ 10:15 a.m.: Maud Marks Branch Library, SBO/Ruby’s Chinese New Year
July 17 @ 1 p.m.: Katherine Tyra Branch Library, SMP/The Magic Flute
July 17 @ 3 p.m.: North Channel Branch Library, SBO/Bilingual Opera Cat!
July 18 @ 2:30 p.m.: Stratford Branch Library, SMP/The Marriage of Figaro
July 30 @ 10:30 a.m.: Northwest Branch Library, SBO/Westward Ho, Carlotta!

Children’s Museum Houston (paid admission to CMH required)
May 18 @ 4 p.m.: SBO/Ruby’s Chinese New Year
June 23 @ 3 p.m.: SBO/Lula the Mighty Griot
July 21 @ 3 p.m.: SBO/ Bilingual Agua/Agüita and Fuego/Fueguito

Houston Public Libraries

July 9 @ 2 p.m.: Moody Neighborhood Library, SMP/The Magic Flute
July 22 @ 11 a.m.: Oak Forest Neighborhood Library, SMP/The Magic Flute
July 23 @ 2 p.m.: Mancuso Neighborhood Library, SBO/Bilingual Agua/Agüita and Fuego/Fueguito
July 25 @ 3 p.m.: Shannon Walker Neighborhood Library, SMP/The Magic Flute