The Sun Valley Opera was formed in a living room eight years ago by Marsha Ingham, Frank Meyer and Floyd McCracken. Founded to promote opera in Sun Valley, the small, grassroots arts organization reached a milestone on Sunday, June 28, with a sold-out performance at the Sun Valley Pavilion filling 1,400 seats.
The Sun Valley Opera featured a performance by the three "other" tenors—Dennis McNeil, Jose Medina and Eduardo Villa, accompanied by the Hutchins Consort and a surprise appearance by Sun Valley's John Mauldin, another tenor and Sun Valley's director of entertainment, who belted out an aria from "La Traviata."
Another surprise Sunday evening was the announcement of Ingham's retirement from the Sun Valley Opera. She stepped down as CEO, co-founder and co-president. A tearful Ingham was presented with a plaque by the Sun Valley Opera for her leadership, dedication and support.
"It's been a labor of love," Ingham said. "The Sun Valley Opera has been blessed by a wonderful working board. The opera has developed loyal constituents, donors and an audience."
Ingham leaves the helm to Frank Meyer, who will remain as president of the organization.
"Frank and I have exchanged thousands of e-mails and have worked out details with each other for every concert," Ingham said. "He is the dearest and most loyal of friends and the pavilion show could have taken place without him."
Ingham will remain a volunteer and consultant to the Sun Valley Opera and will also assist with Meyer for the annual Sun Valley Opera International Vocal Competition.
"I have contributed countless hours to the opera and it has all been pro bono," she said. "Everyone has been working pro bono."
Sun Valley Opera also had a record-breaking attendance for its fundraising Diva Party event, which took place Saturday, June 27. The sold-out Diva Party had 200 guests at a private home in Sun Valley.
Sabina Dana Plasse: splasse@mtexpress.com
Marsha Ingham and Frank Meyer have served together as co-presidents of the Sun Valley Opera for eight years. Photo by
