Seductive, haunting, and intoxicating, this "stunningly original" opera pulses to the passion and beat of Astor Piazzolla's revolutionary Nuevo tango and Horacio Ferrer's mesmerizing, imaginative poetry. Maria de Buenos Aires is a surreal spiritual journey set to the beat of Argentine tango. Pulse and poetry play an equal role in which the melody is transformed into a series of mesmerizing moments rich in metaphor. Maria embodies everything that is the Argentinian people. Totally consumed by passion yet fiercely maintaining her independence, Maria fights for survival and freedom, never surrendering. Piazzolla's tango music for this story is irresistible, incisive, electrifying, provocative and moving.

Featuring the talented performing artists of Pensacola Opera and Ballet Pensacola, this Foo Foo Festival production features original choreography by Richard Steinert (Artistic Director, Ballet Pensacola), scenic and lighting design by Lance Brannon (Ballet Pensacola), stage direction by Octavio Cardenas (Des Moines Metro Opera, Opera Grand Rapids), with Cody Martin (Arizona Opera, Virginia Opera) conducting members of the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra.