Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Mary Jo Helmeke takes the helm

SV Opera hires its first executive director


By SABINA DANA PLASSE
Express Staff Writer

Mary Jo Helmeke is the first executive director for the Sun Valley Opera. Photo by David N. Seelig

The Sun Valley Opera is making strides as a growing arts organization. In July of this year, the opera's board of directors made a decision to hire a part-time executive director. Mary Jo Helmeke was appointed to the new position, to continue the work of retiring board member and Sun Valley Opera co-founder Marsha Ingham.

"Marsha did a fabulous job," Helmeke said. "We are lucky to have a board that works so hard. We could not grow without the dedication of the board."

Helmeke will create a newsletter for donors and will provide information for Opera Idaho to help both Sun Valley Opera and Opera Idaho promote their seasons. The opera will keep its upcoming season as is, but the organization wants to get into schools to expose young people to opera.

"We are working really hard to develop a program to generate interest in non-operagoers," Helmeke said.

Helmeke has a background in nonprofit organizations. She founded the Arts Council of the Temecula Valley over 20 years ago and served as interim executive director for the Sun Valley Symphony and executive director of the Croy Canyon Ranch Foundation.

Sun Valley Opera was founded eight years ago with the mission of bringing the highest caliber of classical voices to the Wood River Valley.

Sabina Dana Plasse: splasse@mtexpress.com

Sun Valley Opera 2010 season

· Jan. 29, Diva concert and evening with Alyson Cambridge at the Sun Valley Club.

· Jan. 30, Alyson Cambridge performs at Carol's Dollar Mountain Lodge.

· July 11, Songs from "Miss Siagon" and "Les Miserables" performed at the Sun Valley Pavilion.




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