The effort and passion that the Sun Valley Opera puts forth to bring one of the world's most impressive art forms to our corner of the world in Idaho is daunting. It takes up to two years in advance to book artists for the two concerts per year that the Sun Valley Opera produces. In its seven years of existence, the Sun Valley Opera continues to be an all-volunteer organization with no staff or office, and all proceeds go directly toward performances.
This Presidents' Day weekend, the Sun Valley Opera will present its Met to Broadway show "Love! Passion! Joy!" at the Presbyterian Church of the Big Wood in Ketchum on Saturday, Feb. 16, at 8 p.m. and on Sunday, Feb. 17, at 5 p.m. Tickets are $35, available at Chapter One Bookstore in Ketchum, online at sunvalleyopera.com and at the door.
In addition, the Sun Valley Opera will hold its Diva Benefit party at the Valley Club on Friday, Feb. 15, from 6-9 p.m. with cocktails and buffet as well as a sneak preview in a brief medley performance by baritone Morgan Smith, soprano Sari Gruber, tenor Wesley Rogers and accompanist Shelby Rhoades. Tickets range from $150 to $500.
"Last century, opera performers were just singers," said the Sun Valley Opera's co-president Frank Meyer. "Now, it is very competitive. They spend a great deal of time on acting and movement, which gives an audience more entertainment."
What makes opera even more interesting is that it not only encompasses the traditional singers in highly stylized orchestration, but it also embraces popular culture, reaching out to a younger audience. An example is last fall's performance of the Puccini's masterpiece "La Bohème," performed by the Washington National Opera with young performers wearing jeans.
"Last year the Met for the first time had a high-definition, live broadcast in movie theaters across the nation. It was a success, and people liked it," Meyers said. "What has changed with opera is that it has picked up on Broadway, spending more money on sets and hiring directors from the film industry."
The headliners for "Love! Passion! Joy!" will sing a broad range of opera selections including the "Toreador Song" from Bizet's "Carmen," performed by Smith, and the song "O Mio Babbino Caro" from Puccini's "Gianni Schicci," performed by Gruber. In addition, Rogers will perform "Bring Him Home" from "Les Misérables" and Smith will perform Cole Porter's "So in Love" from "Kiss Me Kate." There will be several other opera and Broadway song performances by all the visiting performers.
"I think we are excited about the caliber of these singers," Meyers said. "They are at the very top, and we have the opportunity to have them right here after skiing rather than going to New York City."
Baritone Morgan Smith will grace the stage for the Sun Valley Opera Presidents? Day weekend performance.
Photo by Gary Smith
