PRODUCER NOTES Thank you for “joining us” for our production of Verdi’s Rigoletto. Rigoletto was recorded in historic Kingsbury Hall and marks our 22ndst production as its resident opera company dating back to 1999. Our thanks to Brooke Horejsi, Keven Myhre, and the rest of the wonderful folks who help make Kingsbury Hall such a wonderful venue and place to work, play, and study. The University of Utah opera program has been a part of the Kingsbury Hall season for over 90 years; in fact, Hansel and Gretel was the first opera that ran in 1931, the year Kingsbury Hall opened. We would also like to thank John Scheib, Dean of the College of Fine Arts. We deeply appreciate the support from the entire College and especially Development Officer, April Walters. Special thanks to School of Music Chairman Miguel Chuaqui, to my dedicated colleagues for their inspired teaching, and to the School of Music staff for their tremendous efforts on our behalf. We deeply appreciate the efforts of Utah Opera Artistic Administrator Christopher McBeth whose generous support has helped to re-establish collaborative efforts between the U Opera program and Utah Opera. Examples of these efforts include invitations to Utah Opera master classes and role studies. This year, Christopher joined us for a Zoom class. Utah Opera also makes available their guest artists, directors and conductors who give instruction and feedback to our students. In past, Christopher himself has attended our auditions and has provided the kind of feedback and mentorship to our students that can only come from a professional opera administrator. Perhaps most importantly, Christopher has provided some of our students and faculty with invaluable performing and directing opportunities. Christopher’s vision and his collaborative energy have helped to raise the level of work we do at the University and we are grateful for all he has provided.
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