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Utah Symphony | UTAH OPERA’s Podcast
The stage is dark, but the conversation is just beginning.
Welcome to the Utah Symphony | Utah Opera Ghost Light podcast, a behind the curtain look into the world of classical music and the artists who make it. Hosted by Jeff Counts, the Teton Music Festival General Manager, and Carol Anderson, Utah Opera’s Principal Coach. New episodes are released regularly. Subscribe to our podcast below.
Episode 9.6 – The Music of John Williams
For over 50 years, John Williams has delighted millions of listeners with his epic film music. Compositionally sophisticated and melodically inventive, his more than one hundred cinematic scores are masterpieces of virtuosic story-telling. In one of their patented Deep Dives™️, film score devotees Jeff and Carol talk about John Williams’ life and amazing body of work, while sharing their personal experiences of Williams’ music, both as listeners and performers.
Episode 9.5 – Get to Know Jessica Rivero Altarriba
From Salsa to Symphony—get to know newly appointed Utah Symphony Assistant Conductor Jessica Rivero Altarriba. The Ghostlight Team welcomes Maestra Altarriba to Utah and learns about her path to the podium. With a joyful commitment to audience engagement and a vision for the future of symphonic programming, she’s a vibrant addition to our organization and our community.
Episode 9.3 – Arts Funding in America with Leslie Peterson
The Ghost Light team sits down with Leslie Peterson (Vice President of Development, USUO) to discuss arts funding in America. She shares insights from her experiences at Utah Symphony | Utah Opera, and the organization’s support for the local Zoo, Arts & Parks (ZAP) program in Salt Lake County.
Jeff Counts and Carol Anderson share background and behind-the-scenes information about the upcoming Utah Opera production of Sondeim’s Sweeney Todd.
In short, Sweeney Todd is a vengeance story in the vein of so many of the tragedies Utah Opera has staged in recent years. Although there is a high body count in this production, it’s about more than just murder. The complex stories and motives of both the principal and chorus characters are intricately weaved together with musical motifs that add depth to their respective roles in a way that only Sondheim could achieve.
The original production featured an industrial set and staging with turntable and trap doors. Early reviews claimed the combination of music and theater “magic” of the now beloved work was almost too much for its own good.
Utah Opera’s production is cast with opera singers that are able to vocally straddle the fine divide between opera and music theater.
Episode 9.1 – The intersection of Opera and Musical Theater with John DeMain
The Ghost Light team sits down with Maestro John DeMain (Music Director, Madison Symphony) to discuss the intersection of Opera and Musical Theater. He shares insights from his experiences conducting Houston Grand Opera, his conversations with Stephen Sondheim regarding Sweeney Todd, and what subject he would like to see be made into an opera.
Episode 8.9 – Scheherazade Deep Dive
Co-hosts Jeff Counts and Carol Anderson sit down to discuss Scheherazade, Utah Symphony’s May performance featuring both Rimsky-Korsakov’s famous orchestral suite as well as Ravel’s lesser-known Shéhérazade (a lovely song cycle originally inspired by Rimsky-Korsakov’s version sung by Utah Opera Favorite Wendy Bryn Harmer).
These two evening concerts perfectly captures the sultan’s savagery, the storyteller’s mesmerizing quality, and the exotic tales Scheherazade weaves over the course of 1001 Arabian Nights.
Episode 8.8 – Massenet’s “Thaïs” Prelude
Hosts Jeff Counts and Carol Anderson preview the upcoming Utah Opera presentation of Massenet’s “Thaïs.” Giving you a behind the curtain look into this grandiose production, what to expect, and the history of Massenet’s timeless work.
Episode 8.7 – A guitar Players Amusement Park with Gretchen Menn
The Ghost Light Podcast sits down with guitarist Gretchen Menn and USUO VP of Education and Community Outreach Ben Kipp to discuss the upcoming Guitar Celebrations Festival featuring Another Night On Earth guitar ensemble with the Utah Symphony.
Episode 8.6 – The Marriage of Figaro Prelude
Hosts Jeff Counts and Carol Anderson preview the upcoming Utah Opera presentation of Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro.”
They discuss why this opera is among the most performed operas worldwide, what to expect with THIS production, and the history of Mozart’s timeless work.
Episode 8.5 – The Little Prince Prelude
Hosts Jeff Counts and Carol Anderson give an in-depth look into Utah Opera’s upcoming production of Rachel Portman and Nicholas Wright’s “The Little Prince.”
The opera is based on the beloved children’s book of the same name by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Originally debuted in 2019 by Utah Opera, this colorful instant classic returns to the Capitol Theatre stage with a whole new cast.
Episode 8.4 – A Movie Music Deep Dive
Hosts Jeff Counts and Carol Anderson take a deep look into the origins of film music. From silent films to the first “talkies” and to the modern epic scores. What are their favorite movie scores? Who are their favorite creative partners? How does movie music fit in with the modern symphony orchestra? and finally, how do movie score composers stack up against the great composers in history?
Episode 8.3 – You Can Only Do Your Best with Creative Partner David Robertson
Carol Anderson and Jeff Counts sit down with the newly appointed Utah Symphony Creative Partner, David Robertson, to discuss the genesis of his new role, the challenges and opportunities of programming a compelling concert, and what it’s like being a part of a very musical family.
Episode 8.2 – Beethoven 9 Deep Dive
From the confused cosmos of the opening movement, to the folky and athletic scherzo, to the glorious finale. Jeff Counts and Carol Anderson take you deep into the history and subtle details of Beethoven’s magnum opus. Learn about Beethoven’s personal life at the time of writing, the contemporary reaction to the work, and what Symphony No.9 means in modern culture.
And finally, why do “war horse” pieces like Beethoven’s Ninth get played so often? And how does it stay fresh to the listener?
Episode 8.1 – La Bohème Prelude
To kick of the 8th season of the Ghost Light Podcast, co-hosts Carol Anderson and Jeff Counts take you behind the music and production of the upcoming Utah Opera presentation of Puccini’s La bohème.
Discover the historical origins of the famed opera and why it’s among the most performed operas world-wide. Jeff and Carol also give you some insider details of this production, and discuss La bohème’s contribution to pop culture.
Episode 7.8 – That’s What You Call Leadership with Utah Symphony Music Director, Thierry Fischer
Now at the end of his tenure as Music Director of the Utah Symphony, Thierry Fischer sits down with hosts Jeff Counts and Carol Anderson to reflect on his time with the orchestra.
What are his favorite memories? What travel advice would he give to a newcomer to Utah? Maybe most importantly of all, will he remain a fan of the Utah Jazz?
Find out all of this and more with the latest episode of the Ghost Light Podcast!
Episode 7.7 –The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs Prelude
A modern opera about Steve Jobs?
Ghost Light Podcast hosts Jeff Counts and Carol Anderson take you behind the scenes of the next Utah Opera production: The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs.
From electric guitar and techno sound patches combined with a full orchestra, complicated characters, and big voices get the inside scoop behind this Grammy Award winning opera.
Episode 7.6 – Part II – The Making of The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs with Composer Mason Bates
Composer Mason Bates shares insight into his creative process as he sits down with co-hosts Carol Anderson and Jeff Counts to discuss the upcoming Utah Opera production of Grammy Award winner – The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs.
Episode 7.5 – Part I – The Making of The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs with Librettist Mark Campbell
A short conversation with librettist Mark Campbell about the creation of the Grammy Award winning opera –The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs.
Episode 7.4 – Opera Prelude for Verdi’s “Rigoletto”
Ghost Light hosts Jeff Counts and Carol Anderson give you a preview of the upcoming Utah Opera production of Verdi’s “Rigoletto.”
Episode 7.3 – Opera Prelude for Donizetti’s Daughter of the Regiment
Ghost Light hosts Jeff Counts and Carol Anderson give you a preview of the upcoming Utah Opera production of Donizetti’s “The Daughter of the Regiment.”
Episode 7.02 – Behind the Seams: Every Body is Beautiful
Recently hired Costume Director, Cee-Cee Swalling joins the podcast to discuss what goes on behind the scenes in an opera costume shop.
Episode 7.01 – Opera Prelude for Wagner’s “The Flying Dutchman”
In the first episode of The Ghost Light Podcasts seventh season, Hosts Jeff Counts and Carol Anderson preview the upcoming Utah Opera performance of Wagner’s “The Flying Dutchman.”
Episode 6.09 – Pirates of Penzance Prelude
A Pirate King and “Modern Major-General” are just the beginning of the farcical fun in Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance. From patter songs to anecdotes about Savoy operas and the premiere of this cult classic, the Ghost Light Podcasts co-hosts Carol Anderson and Jeff Counts give you what you need to know about the upcoming Utah Opera production.
Episode 6.08 – Opera Deep Dive
What do British baking shows and opera have in common? Find out in the latest episode of the Utah Symphony | Utah Opera Ghost Light Podcast.
Episode 6.07 – Nuance Over Noise
Co-hosts Carol Anderson and Jeff Counts sit down after the first rehearsal of Utah Opera’s production of Puccini’s “Tosca” with two of the principal artists. Soprano Katie Van Kooten, who is performing the role of Floria Tosca for the first time, and Stephen Powell who has played Scarpia on a number of occasions. Hear these artists discuss what goes into the preparation involved with learning a new role or keeping a familiar role fresh.
The two artists also have ideas for what story they’d like to see set as an opera. Find out what they are in the newest episode of Utah Symphony | Utah Opera’s Ghost Light Podcast.
Special Edition – Opera Prelude for Puccini’s “Tosca”
Utah Opera invites you to witness one of opera’s most intense dramas. She’s a singer, he’s a painter and they’re both trying to avoid the cops. Fiery young diva Floria Tosca is forced to play a role she never imagined when she becomes trapped between her freedom-fighting lover and a corrupt police chief whose lust for her dominates his faith. The story’s heart-stopping conclusion lands tragically under the Roman skyline. The leap is LEGEND. The Ghost Light Podcast co-hosts Jeff Counts and Carol Anderson give you a behind the scenes look into Utah Opera’s production of Puccini’s “Tosca.”
Episode 6.05 – Arlene Sierra – So Now People Are Listening
Composer Arlene Sierra recently sat down with the Ghost Light Podcast to discuss her residency with the symphony upcoming Composer in Association with the Utah Symphony in April 2022.
In April, Arlene will spend a few weeks in Utah working with the Utah Symphony in an American debut of Nature Symphony and a world premiere of Bird Symphony, a piece the Utah Symphony commissioned. She will also work with the Utah Youth Symphony in preparing a paired down version of Nature Symphony.
Episode 6.04 – John Holiday – If I could do it again, I would
Co-hosts Carol Anderson and Jeff Counts sit down with John Holiday prior to his Utah Opera debut in his signature role in Jonathan Dove and April de Angelis’ Flight.
Many, not familiar with the opera world will know John Holiday from season 19 of NBC’s The Voice. John is one of the most sought-after countertenors (a cis-male that sings in a mezzo-soprano range) in the opera scene.
John shares anecdotes about his career as an artist and educator in a pandemic world.
Special Edition – Opera Prelude for Jonathan Dove and April de Angelis’ “Flight”
Want to know more about Utah Opera’s production of Jonathan Dove and April DeAngelis’ “Flight?”
Co-hosts Carol Anderson and Jeff Counts discuss the comedy, energy, music, and emotion of a colorful cast living out an unexpected overnight delay.
John Holiday from season 19 of NBC’s The Voice makes his Utah Opera debut in his signature role in the opera that has entertained audiences around the world and speaks to us of the realities of our shared humanity – Jonathan Dove and April de Angelis’ critically acclaimed opera, Flight.
Episode 6.02 – Deep Dive – Brahms Symphony No. 4
We interview a LOT of composers on the podcast. Unfortunately, many of the composers we’d like to interview are no longer with us. So we’re forced to talk about them instead. Jeff and Carol discuss the creation of Brahms’ Symphony No. 4 in this Deep Dive episode.
Episode 6.01 – DeMarre McGill–There is Room for You
What does Mr. Rogers, the flute, music education, passing out on stage, and the Utah Symphony have in common? Guest soloist DeMarre McGill.
Episode 5.12 – Omer Ben Seadia– Breaking the Glass Proscenium
Israeli director Omer Ben Saediajoined the Ghost Light Podcast prior to the opening of Utah Opera’s production of Peter Brook’s “La tragedie de Carmen” to discuss her thoughts about the current state of the world of opera.
Episode 5.11 – Pinchas Zukerman
Pinchus Zukerman sits down with the Ghost Light Podcast.
Episode 5.10 – Pablo Sainz-Villegas – Music Belongs to the Community
Spanish guitarist Pablo Sainz-Villegas joins the Ghost Light podcast to discuss his newest album, the role of the guitar in classical and American popular music.
Episode 5.9 – Carin Gilfry
Voice actor Carin Gilfry joins the Ghost Light Podcast to her journey from pursuing a career as an opera singer to a career voicing thousands of commercials, instructional videos, IVR systems, eLearning programs, documentaries, video games, and audiobooks.
Carin’s voice may be familiar for fans of USUO in the Wasatch Front. You’ll hear her voice in our radio and tv ads.
Episode 5.8 – Utah Opera Senior Technical Director, Jared Porter
Utah Opera Senior Technical Director, Jared Porter joins the Ghost Light Podcast to discuss what goes on behind the scenes of an opera production.
Episode 5.7 – Nova Thomas discusses the Fach System
Vocal Coach Nova Thomas joins the Ghost Light Podcast to discuss operatic voice types and the Fach system.
Episode 5.6 – Wendy Bryn Harmer – In Another Life I Would’ve Been a Spy
Utah native Wendy Bryn Harmer joins the Ghost Light podcast to discuss her career, life as a musician during the pandemic, and what topic she’d like to see be made into an opera.
Episode 5.4 – USUO Vice President of Marketing and PR: Jonathan Miles
In the second episode in a mini-series about the pivots brought on by the circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. Utah Symphony | Utah Opera Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations, Jonathan Miles joins the Ghost Light Podcast to discuss how USUO’s marketing strategy changed for the 2020-21 season.
Episode 5.3 – USUO Education Team discuss the USUO education offerings
In the first of a mini-series about the pivots brought on by the circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, the USUO Education Team sat down with the Ghost Light Podcast to discuss how the education offerings of the company have been re-envisioned in the last 6 months and going forward.
Episode 5.2 – Composer Quinn Mason Principal Trombone Mark Davidson discuss Changes/Transitions
Changes/Transitions’ is a commission written by Quinn Mason for Black Lives Matter. The composer sits down with Principal Trombone, Mark Davidson and the Ghost Light Podcast to discuss the origins of the piece and its place in the current social climate.
Episode 5.1 – Introducing the new President/CEO of Utah Symphony|Utah Opera: Steven Brosvik
Get to know the new President and CEO of Utah Symphony | Utah Opera of Jeff Counts and Carol Anderson introduce Steven Brosvik.
Episode 5.0 – Season 5 Trailer
Jeff Counts and Carol Anderson give you a look behind the scenes into the world of classical music and the artists who make it.
Associate Concertmaster Kathryn Eberle sits down with Jeff Counts and Carol Anderson to discuss The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, pandemic life, and MOTUS Meets.
Episode 4.17 – Utah Symphony 80th Birthday Interview – Nick and Claudia Norton
One of the interviews from the 80th Birthday Celebration featured Nick and Claudia Norton. The, now retired, couple share their memories of Maurice Abravanel, the 2002 Olympics, National and European tours, the opening of Abravanel Hall, and the Utah Symphony as a match-making organization.
Episode 4.16 – Nicole Heaston
African-American soprano Nicole Heaston joins Jeff Counts and Carol Anderson to discuss musical life during quarantine, the Purple Robe Series, and a story she’d like to see turned into an opera.
Episode 4.15 – Utah Opera resident artist Brandon Bell
Utah Opera resident artist Brandon Bell joins Jeff Counts and Carol Anderson to discuss people of color in prominent opera roles and a topic that he’d like to see made into an opera.
Episode 4.14 – Behind the scenes of the Utah Symphony 80th Birthday Celebration
In this episode of the Ghost Light podcast, Hosts Jeff Counts and Carol Anderson interview Concert Master Madeline Adkins and Principal Trumpet Travis Peterson about the the behind the scenes planning and execution of creating the Utah Symphony’s 80th Birthday Celebration video.
Episode 4.13 – Michael Chioldi discusses life as an opera singer
Co-Host Carol Anderson interviews Utah Opera favorite Baritone Michael Chioldi.
Michael discusses his Metropolitan Opera debut, his Park City Utah connection, Life as an opera singer on the road, and his “second act” as a performer/teacher.
And of course – a ghost story.
Episode 4.12 – Keith Carrick Discusses Symphonic Percussion
Utah Symphony principal percussionist Keith Carrick joins the Ghost Light podcast to discuss his experiences as a symphonic percussionist.
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to play in the percussion section? Or why percussionists seem to always be looking for things to hit with a stick? Keith will give you a behind the scenes look at their world.
Special Episode 3 – Live Music After Corona
The final episode in the mini-series: Music That Heals. Jeff Counts and Carol Anderson sit down with Utah Opera Artistic Director Christopher McBeth to discuss how the COVID-19 restrictions have affected opera companies across the country, what performing arts companies can do during this forced pause, and how the art form can evolve when we are allowed to occupy our performance spaces again.
Episode 4.11 – Utah Opera Supernumeraries Break Their Silence
Co-Hosts Jeff Counts and Carol Anderson interview Utah Opera Supernumeraries Dominic Barsi and Steve Moga.
They discuss their experiences and insight as “supers” for the Utah Opera.
Special Episode 2 – Music Knows Exactly How You Feel
A follow up episode to the Music That Heals episode. Utah Symphony | Utah Opera musicians, staff, and patrons share their experiences with music in troubling times.
Special Episode – Music Heals
In response to symphony and opera halls closing for a short time due to the COVID-19 virus restrictions, co-Hosts Jeff Counts and Carol Anderson, discuss some historical moments where music played a major role.
Episode 4.10: Jason Hardink Discusses Messiaen’s Des Canyons aux Étoiles
In Episode 4.10 of the Utah Symphony|Utah Opera Ghost Light Podcast, co-hosts Jeff Counts and Carol Anderson interview Jason Hardink, Utah Symphony Principal Pianist.
Episode 4.9: Michaella Calzaretta discuss the Utah Opera Chorus
Co-Hosts Carol Anderson and Jeff Counts interview Michaella Calzaretta, Utah Opera Chorus Master. They discuss the role of the chorus in opera, her role as a chorus master, a story she’d like to set as an opera, and a Ghost Light experience.
Episode 4.8: Getro Joseph
Host Carol Anderson interviews Getro Joseph, a Haitian cellist that traveled to Salt Lake City with musicians from the Utah Symphony.
Episode 4.7: Kevin Puts and Mark Campbell discuss Utah Opera’s production of Silent Night
Hosts Jeff Counts and Carol Anderson interview the creators of the 2012 Pulitzer Prize winning Opera, Silent Night
Episode 4.6: Tomer Zvulun discusses Utah Opera’s production of “Silent Night”
Director Tomer Zvulun discusses Utah Opera’s upcoming production of Kevin Puts and Mark Campell’s “Silent Night.” The Israeli-born director also discusses his time serving as a medic, reveals what stories he would like to see given an operatic treatment, and more!
Episode 4.5: Carlos Miguel Prieto – Part 2 – Orchestral “Bucket List”
Hosts Jeff Counts and Carol Anderson interview guest conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto.
Episode 4.4: Carlos Miguel Prieto – Part 1 – Connecting the symphony with the community
Hosts Jeff Counts and Carol Anderson interview guest conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto.
Episode 4.3: Christopher McBeth-Musical Journeys
Host Carol Anderson interviews Utah Opera Artistic Director, Christopher McBeth.
Episode 4.2: Symphony and Opera Myths Debunked
Co-Hosts Carol Anderson and Jeff Counts discuss popular myths that often keep potential symphony or opera patrons from coming to a performance.
Episode 4.1: Jeff and Carol interview Daniel Charon
Co-Hosts Carol Anderson and Jeff Counts interview Daniel Charon, Artistic Director of the Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company. They discuss the dance tradition in Utah, collaboration with other art forms, the Utah Opera production of La Traviata, a story he’d like to set to dance, and a Ghost Light experience.
Episode 4.0: Jeff Counts introduces new co-host
Host Jeff Counts introduces our new co-host – Carol Anderson, principal opera coach for the Utah Opera. Jeff and Carol tease season four of the Ghostlight Podcast.
