Exposure to the arts from a young age is the goal of Opera Saratoga's "Opera to Go" ​program. They want to get kids away from video games and internet and up close and personal to live performing arts. 

Professional opera singers from this season's production of the Ugly Duckling performed at Abram Lansing Elementary School in Cohoes, breathing life and song into this classic storybook tale.

"I think when people say opera they think it's this "fine art" that's hard to relate and you can't get involved, but you totally can," said performer Nicholas Martorano who plays the big bad wolf.

It's that belief that has the company giving 50 performances throughout the region many for free. 

Students were able to connect with the story that tells the tale of the importance of diversity, tolerance and finding your own beauty.

Find a full list of show locations and times.