Sun Valley Opera has pulled off another achievement in its dedication to giving the valley one-of-a-kind opera performances. In her first appearance in Sun Valley, talented and beautiful rising soprano star Alyson Cambridge will perform this weekend for two shows on Friday, Jan. 29, as a fundraising event for the Sun Valley Opera and on Saturday, Jan. 30.
"I am a performer through and through," Cambridge said. "If I weren't a singer, I would be an actress or I would be involved in some type of performing."
Cambridge has been singing since she was little and her dedication to opera has led her to a multitude of projects and performances. She is a frequent guest of the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, where she made her debut under the baton of James Levine as Frasquita in "Carmen."
Recently Cambridge finished recording "From the Diary of Sally Hemings," music by William Bolcum with Lydia Brown on piano. Her performance as a soloist on this project was an exciting opportunity for her.
"The truth is classical musical recordings don't make a ton of money, because the market for classical music is not like pop CD sales, especially in this economy," Cambridge said. "To get this recording made was a huge deal."
Cambridge said it's new music that has not been recorded by anyone else, which was very exciting for her.
"Historically, it is really stunning music," Cambridge said. "I am thrilled to be a part of the project."
Sun Valley Opera awarded Cambridge Sun Valley Opera Artist of the Year 2009. The award salutes a new artist who has displayed outstanding career advancement. For her Sun Valley performances, Cambridge will sing a selection of music ranging from "Summertime" from "Porgy and Bess" by Gershwin as well as "Song to the Moon" from Rusalka Dvorak. In addition, she will sing Cole Porter's "So In Love" as well as a variety of songs and music from well-known musicals and operas.
"I have a lot of fun doing what I do, but 99 percent of the fun is the reaction I get from an audience," Cambridge said. "It puts a smile on my face and moves me in a certain way, which is what it has been about since I have been a little kid."
Sabina Dana Plasse: splasse@mtexpress.com
Concert information
Friday, Jan. 29
· Opening Night Concert and Diva Party at the Sun Valley Club at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $125 available at sunvalleyopera.com or calling 726-0991.
Saturday, Jan. 30
· Concert at Carol's Dollar Mountain Lodge at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7:15 p.m. Tickets are $35 and $75 available at Sun Valley Recreation Center by calling 622-2135 or online at seats.sunvalley.com.
Soprano Alyson Cambridge is a rising opera star and will perform for the Sun Valley Opera on Friday and Saturday evenings. Photo by
