World Premiere: Mato
World Premiere Performance!
Join us for the first-ever public performance of our newly commissioned children’s opera, Mato: The Bear Who Couldn’t Fish. This production will tour local schools and libraries this fall as part of Pensacola Opera’s educational programming.
On the Gulf Coast of Florida, Mato–a young bear–is turning two years old. In “bear years,” this means it’s time for him to live on his own. However, Mato has a problem: He can’t remember how to fish! So, he sets off on an adventure, encountering different coastal creatures who eventually teach him that growing up is not always about knowing answers… It’s about asking the right questions. Filled with hummable tunes by Pensacola native Matthew Fossa and featuring a charming libretto by Joshua Borths, this heart-warming opera is a great introduction to students of all ages as they explore how to learn, grow, and become the best version of themselves.
This special world premiere performance will be followed by a talkback with the opera’s creators and artists. The commission of Mato was made possible by Diane Appleyard.
Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 6:30 PM
Cokesbury Church
Adults: $10; Children: $5
Rachel Fitzgerald
as2024-25 Jan Miller Studio Artist
Hometown | Mansfield, OH
Education | M.M. University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, B.M. Ohio Wesleyan University
Recent Work | 2024 Santa Fe Opera Apprentice Artist; The Merry Widow, Indiana University; Così fan tutte, Tel Aviv Summer Opera
This Season at Pensacola Opera | Barbarina & Countess (cover) in The Marriage of Figaro, Nedda (cover) in Pagliacci, Mother in The Bear Who Couldn’t Fish
Camille Robles
as
Micah Perry
as2024-25 Jan Miller Studio Artist
Hometown | Brookings, SD
Education | M.M. Baylor University, B.M. South Dakota State University
Recent Work | Die Fledermaus, Quisisana Resort; Carmen, Austin Opera; 2023 Studio Artist, Wolf Trap Opera
This Season at Pensacola Opera | Basilio/Don Curzio in The Marriage of Figaro, Beppe in Pagliacci, Mato in The Bear Who Couldn’t Fish
Joseph O’Shea
as2024-25 Jan Miller Studio Artist
Hometown | Mobile, AL
Education | M.M. University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, B.M. University of South Alabama
Recent Work | 2024 Gerdine Young Artist, Opera Theatre of St. Louis; Madama Butterfly, Cincinnati Opera; Fellow Travelers, CCM
This Season at Pensacola Opera | Antonio and Count (cover) in The Marriage of Figaro, Silvio (cover) in Pagliacci, Eagle/Snake in The Bear Who Couldn’t Fish
