The Toledo Opera invites the public to a free community performance of “The Bear Who Couldn’t Fish” on Sunday, November 9, at 4 p.m., at Epworth United Methodist Church, 4855 West Central Avenue, Toledo. The performance will be followed by a cookies-and-punch reception and a meet-and-greet with the artists. All are welcome to attend.
“The Bear Who Couldn’t Fish” is an original children’s opera with music written by Matthew Fossa, and the libretto and book written by Joshua Borths. The production is directed by Toledo Opera General Director, James Norman. It is presented as this year’s production of Toledo Opera’s award-winning Opera On Wheels program, a 40-year educational outreach initiative that brings live opera directly to schools and community venues across northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan. Each year, Opera On Wheels reaches more than 18,000 students with engaging, age-appropriate productions that introduce new audiences to the art form.
This year’s production tells the story of Mato, a young bear struggling to remember how to fish. Along his journey, he meets a cast of animal friends who help him discover the value of perseverance, curiosity and respect for nature. Set in the Great Lakes ecosystem, it blends humor, heart and environmental awareness in a musical journey perfect for children and families.
“The Bear Who Couldn’t Fish” is performed by Toledo Opera’s 2025-26 resident artists, featuring Sarah Rachel Bacani (soprano), Danielle Casós (mezzo soprano), Brady DelVecchio (tenor) Rick Hale (baritone) and Yura Jang (pianist). Chosen from a national pool of more than 150 applicants for a one-year residency in Toledo, these artists bring talent and skill to this program.
“We’re so excited to bring this joyful performance to Epworth and to share it with families across our community,” said June Galvin, Toledo Opera board member and member of Epworth United Methodist Church. “Opera can tell powerful stories in fun and unexpected ways, and this event is a wonderful opportunity for children to experience the magic of live music.”
For more information about Opera on Wheels, visit toledoopera.org.
