The Goose Girl

About

The Goose Girl is a one-act children's opera commissioned and premiered by Fort Worth Opera in 1981. Composed by Thomas Pasatieri, who also wrote the libretto, the work adapts the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale into an English-language opera designed for young audiences. With a concise 35-minute runtime and an intimate chamber ensemble of flute (doubling piccolo), clarinet, piano, viola, and cello, the piece balances accessibility with artistic richness. The vocal cast features seven roles—ranging from soprano to bass-baritone—that animate the story's magical elements, including a talking horse. The world premiere underscored Fort Worth Opera’s commitment to expanding American opera repertoire and community engagement through approachable, high-quality productions.