For one special night only, Sun Valley will present its second annual Sun Valley Classical Christmas Concert tonight at the Sun Valley Opera House. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 for adults and $25 for seniors and students. The show is not recommended for children under 8 years old. Sun Valley Playschool will be open and childcare is available. For details, call 622-2288.
"There's lots of new stuff and some of the same songs from last year," said John Mauldin, Sun Valley's entertainment director. "We will sing songs including 'Holy Night' and will have cool arrangements for songs such as 'What Child is This' as well as some lighter pieces."
The show has lots of Christmas classics and will be performed by four trained opera singers. Mauldin, a tenor, will perform with his sister Leslie Mauldin, a soprano. Michele and Jason Detwiler will also perform. Michele is a mezzo-soprano and Jason is a baritone.
Leslie Mauldin has performed with regional opera companies throughout the Northwest. Having moved from Los Angeles to Boise, she has accepted roles as Sharon Graham in "Masterclass," a play by Terrence McNally at Boise State University, Clorinda in Opera Idaho's "Cinderella" and Nellie Forbush in "South Pacific," also with Opera Idaho.
Michele Detwiler was a principle artist with Opera San Jose from 2002 to 2007. After singing with the Boise Philharmonic in Einhorn's "Voices of Light," she returns this season for the philharmonic's "Candide Suite." In addition, she debuted with Opera Idaho as Siebel in "Faust," and will sing Tisbe in its upcoming production of "La Cenerentola."
Jason Detwiler is a frequent performer with regional opera companies across the country. He will sing in the Boise Philharmonic's "Candide Suite," and in Mozart's "Requiem" with Boise Baroque. He will debut in two new roles as Melchio in "Amahl and the Night Visitors" and as Mr. Webb in "Our Town" in Boise.
John Mauldin has appeared as a soloist with the Honolulu Symphony, Phoenix Bach Choir and the Vancouver Symphony. He served a year at Utah State University as director of opera and as interim chorus master for Opera Idaho.
"We may have a surprise guest join us," he said. "The Sun Valley Opera House has also been put together with a beautiful stage—much more that last year."
The Classical Christmas Concert musician ensemble includes Robert Hatvani on piano, Paul Hatvani on violin, Dawn Doutit on violin and Stephan Mathie on cello.
Sun Valley will have other music around the village, including the Sun Valley Carolers who will be strolling around various locations in Sun Valley starting at 6 p.m. through the holiday season.
In addition, special performances are scheduled for The Fabulous Vuarnettes in the Boiler Room on Saturday, Dec. 26, and Tuesday, Dec. 29, at 6 p.m. Tickets are $15 and available at the door. In addition, a special performance of "Forever Plaid" at the Boiler Room will take place Sunday, Dec. 27, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 and available at the door.
"Keep your eye on the Boiler Room with the comedy series coming," John Mauldin said.
For tickets call, 622-2135 or visit seats.sunvalley.com.
Sabina Dana Plasse: splasse@mtexpress.com
Clockwise from top left, John Mauldin, Leslie Mauldin, Jason Detwiler and Michele Detwiler will bring their opera talents to the stage for a Christmas music performance. Photo by
