By Eric Valentine
Opera is built on dramatic tension. The more intense and shocking, the better. But when you’re running an opera company, a certain level of predictability and ordinary is necessary.
As if Sun Valley Opera hasn’t had enough to manage in these COVID times, it now finds itself replacing its leader, too. After 10 years as chairman and CEO of Sun Valley Opera, Edwin Outwater III has resigned.
“I am happy to have had the opportunity to serve our community for many years by assisting in the presentation of that most wonderful of musical instruments, the human voice, and to have observed the real joy a live performance brings to an audience,” Outwater said in his resignation letter to the Opera Board that cited other “pressing matters” that need his “full attention.”
The Understudy
Musical theatre is also an arena accustomed to replacing its stars. Enter Kyle Johnson, who will serve as interim chairman and CEO for SVO now. Johnson is a local resident and enthusiastic opera supporter who used to split time between Ketchum and Seattle, where Kyle worked as a mediator and arbitrator. He is the husband of renowned artist Judith Kindler, an American multidisciplinary artist working in sculpture, installation, photography, and photography-based mixed-media works.
“Sun Valley Opera has a great history in this community of providing terrific musical events. I intend to maintain and further that tradition, including events during the pandemic that comply with CDC guidelines,” Johnson said.
“We are fortunate to have such creative and strong leadership with Kyle at the helm during this difficult time for the performing arts,” Robyn Watson, SVO executive director, said.
The Libretto
Watson, the former events director for the organization, said there is no timeline for finding a non-interim CEO, but that a search is ongoing. In fact, it’s part of a search for additional board members, too. There are currently 10 voting board members in addition to advisory committee members for SVO. Watson said there is no specific number of folks that would be added to the board, but both part-time and full-time Valley residents with a love for the vocal arts and a talent for bringing creative ideas and renowned voices to the opera are welcome to reach out to her for more information.
“We’re fortunate to have Kyle in place right now, but he’s indicated we should move forward with a search for someone long-term,” Watson said. “I think the board will know when that right person comes along.”
Meanwhile, SVO will be forging ahead with a summer season in 2020 that won’t have any live shows at the opera house, The Argyros, or the Pavilion. Toward the end of August, however, the Pavilion lawn will play host to the 2004 musical movie version of The Phantom of The Opera starring Gerard Butler and Emmy Rossum, directed by Joel Schumacher. And, on Sept. 25, an event featuring vocalist Cayman Ilika and her musical director Christopher DiStefano will be held in the garden of a private estate in the Valley. Ilika will perform songs ranging from Broadway musicals to popular hits, Waton said. For ticket information, contact Watson at (208) 726-0991 or via email: rwatson.svo@gmail.com.
The Encore
January marks the 20th anniversary of Sun Valley Opera and the organization has every intention of coming back stronger than ever. A gala is planned to be held at The Argyros in January, but specifics are still unfolding. Watson said they are hoping to do a full dinner and show, but they may need to scale back to just cocktails before the show depending on CDC guidelines at the time. Watson said talent is being lined up now, but since contracts are not finalized, she couldn’t give details other than to say one likely performer is a well-established Broadway actress and another is a talent from the Seattle Opera.
“We’re moving forward with plans, not exactly, as normal,” Watson said. “But we’re remaining creative and hopeful and safe.”