Pensacola Opera

Mission:

The mission of Pensacola Opera is to enrich the culture of Northwest Florida by producing professional opera performances, educational programs and other opera-related community events for people of all ages, interests and backgrounds.

Vision:

To be the premier arts organization in Northwest Florida, and to be the premier opera company of the Southeast.

History:

In 1983 a small group of people interested in opera, including singers, parents of singers, singing teachers, professionals and business people, decided that Pensacola could mine our rich local talent to create a grassroots opera company called "Pensacola Chamber Opera". Against all odds, the fledgling Chamber Opera successfully produced Mozart's Così fan tutte. 

It was not easy to produce opera on a shoestring. Spotlights and sets were created in the founders' workshops, sewing machines buzzed, the orchestra and singers were hired and rehearsals staged. The first opera production was performed three times to a total of a mere 700 people. Like every production since the first opera in the 17th century, both amateur and professional, Così fan tutte lost money! That was the beginning of a 20-year history that led us to become one of only two professional performing arts companies, producing two to three fully-staged operas (sung in the original language) every year. 

Pensacola Opera has now grown into a thriving professional organization, with a full-time Executive Director and Administrative Assistant, part-time Artistic Director, part-time Education Director. Led by the Pensacola Opera League, the Opera is supported by a host of volunteer support groups that devote time and passion to ensure the success of this grand art form!

About Us:

Pensacola Opera, currently in its 33rd Season, is a professional, non-profit opera company serving the Northwest Florida. It is one of only four professional opera companies in the entire State of Florida and the only one in the North Florida corridor. Since its inception in 1983, Pensacola Opera has grown into a thriving performing arts organization with strong community relevance. Pensacola Opera has presented more than 57 opera productions, 5 operas for children, and hundreds of concerts, programs, and events that have helped enrich the culture of our region. 

Mainstage productions attract both nationally-known artists and regional audiences and education programs are fully integrated in the schools and the community. Through year-round performances and programs, Pensacola Opera serves an average of 10,000 adults and 20,000 children on an annual basis.