Pegasus Opera pays tribute to Keel Watson

Keel Watson as Falstaff with Regents Opera in 2015

Pegasus Opera will be paying tribute to Keel Watson as part of the Pegasus Caribbean Christmas Concert on 21 December 2023 at St John the Divine Church, SW9 6JA. The company is inviting any singers who knew him and are available to come and join them in a rousing chorus of Oh Lawd I'm on my way from Gerswhin's Porgy and Bess. (contact  admin@pegopera.org for details).

Keel Watson was a friend of Pegasus Opera from the beginning. He was instrumental in the company's inaugural concerts and operas, including performing a stellar Falstaff in 1997. He also served as a mentor in every year of Pegasus' Mentorship Programme, including this year.

Masimba Ushe, bass, and Keel Watson's most recent mentee said of him, "I first met Keel on a train late one evening. He was on his way home after a performance. We were sitting in the same carriage, I recognised him and went to speak to him. A general chat about singing and performance turned into an impromptu lesson when Keel asked me to sing part of an aria for him outside the station. His willingness to help me and to make the most out of every teaching opportunity was truly inspirational. His advice and encouragement really helped me on my journey as a singer. 

I had more lessons with him through the Pegasus Mentoring Programme. He was a straight to the point, no nonsense teacher and his confidence helped me to find the confidence within myself. He inspired me to really put my all into my work and helped me to understand what it really means to be a performer. His enthusiasm for singing and teaching was infectious and made me want to dive deeper and understand more. The warmth and passion exhibited by Keel, was a privilege to experience. His honesty and passion in his teaching was truly something amazing to have experienced, and for that I am truly grateful."

Further information about Pegasus Caribbean Christmas Concert from EventBrite.