Wednesday, March 21, 2012

All-American chanteuse

Alyson Cambridge to headline Fourth of July weekend concert

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By JENNIFER LIEBRUM
Express Staff Writer

Gorgeous woman, gorgeous voice. Alyson Cambridge is coming to wow Sun Valley audiences June 30. Photo courtesy of Sun Valley Opera

When singing sensation Alyson Cambridge takes the stage this summer to invigorate the Fourth of July celebration, we should all say a little thank you to Ms. Swope and Mrs. O'Neill.

"I will never forget Ms. Swope, my lower-school art teacher, or Mrs. O'Neill, my second-grade teacher," Cambridge says on her web bio. "They were both so kind, generous, and had such warm hearts and spirits."

With that foundation, Cambridge felt confident to pursue her strengths, which she says have always been musically inclined.

"I've also always been a total ham, a natural comedienne and an actress amongst family and friends," she said. "The marriage between music and theater has always appealed to me, and in that way, opera has become the perfect fit for me and my voice."

But it is for her ability to cross over all the genres with her powerful soprano voice that organizers of the annual party for the red, white and blue wanted to lure her here.

Sun Valley Opera President Frank Meyer said that while they do support bringing fully operatic ventures throughout the year to the area, they like to invite big talent to be heard by a broader music-loving audience. "Love is in the Air," the Valentine's spectacular featuring the uber-romantic stylings of real-life couple Michelle Johnson and Brian Major, is a good example, he said. While Johnson won the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions in 2011 and went on to Houston to perform "Il Trovatore" and Major has extensive opera credits, both distinguish themselves by being flexible vocally.

"We have something for everyone in our valley," Meyer said.

Cambridge will be joined by the American Festival Chorus and orchestra led by Craig Jessop, former director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. The music will be classical, pop and patriotic.

At 28, Cambridge is rapidly establishing herself as an opera and concert star. She credits her early influences for her zeal; she started playing piano at 4, played violin, and flute and piano in middle school and began voice training at age 12.

"The arts—musical, visual, theatrical or otherwise—enrich everyone's lives," she said. "I believe that there is a creative spirit that exists within everyone and, especially at a young age, development of that should be encouraged and nurtured just as much as the development of other skills in school."

She said she maintained interests in other things than her music growing up, perhaps leading to the crossover skills she possesses today.

"I was an athlete in high school and involved in extracurricular activities."

To future all-stars, Cambridge notes that her only advice is "to love it—love the music, love the process, love the learning and study of music, love performing, love sharing with your audience."

"Also, perseverance is key," she said. "No matter how talented or skilled a person is at their craft, you will face rejection. ... Wanting it, loving it and, of course, practicing are the only things that you can have control of in your preparation and pursuit."

Sun Valley Summer Spectacular

What: Classic, pop and patriotic tunes.

Who: Alyson Cambridge with the American Festival Chorus and orchestra under Craig Jessop.

Where: Sun Valley Pavilion.

When: June 30.

Tickets: General admission from Sun Valley Resort at sunvalley.com. For orchestra seating and the pre-concert "Diva and Diamonds" reception call 726-0991 or visit

sunvalleyopera.com.

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