If at first you don’t succeed, rewrite it four times—just ask Puccini. In this season’s final opera prelude, Jeff and Carol explore Madame Butterfly, from its rocky premiere to eventual triumph. They delve into the opera’s complex cultural backdrop, examine its literary roots, and confront the tension between the troubling elements within its story and its lasting popularity with opera audiences. 

Episode 9.13 - Madame Butterfly Prelude Part Two

Elizabeth Beilman shares what it is like being a violist for the Utah Symphony.

Episode 1.9: Elizabeth Beilman, Utah Symphony violist

Ep. 18– Toby Tolokan vice president of artistic planning for Utah Symphony discusses the excitement and difficulty of planning an orchestra season.

18 Final

Episode 1.18: Toby Tolokan discusses planning an orchestra's season

Ep. 30 – The Ghost Light Podcast celebrates its 30th episode with a conversation with host Jeff Counts on his position as Vice President of Operations & General Manager of Utah Symphony.

JC30

Episode 1.30: Jeff Counts

Ep. 32 – GRAMMY Award-winning vocalist Patti Austin talks about her tribute performance for Ella Fitzgerald’s 100th birthday at the Deer Valley® Music Festival.

Patti Final

Episode 1.32: Patti Austin

Season 2, Ep. 11 – Renowned conductor Gary Thor Wedow talks about his career path to the conductor’s podium and how new, and old, opera speaks to our heart and mind regardless or our musical expertise.

S2 Ep. #11

Episode 2.11: Gary Thor Wedow

Season 2, Ep. 12 – The fabulous Capathia Jenkins talks about the musical legacy of Ella Fitzgerald, Broadway, and her fight to help homeless youth.

GLPC Season 2 Ep. #12- Capathia Jenkins

Episode 2.12: Capathia Jenkins

The stage is dark, but the conversation is just beginning. Welcome to Utah Symphony | Utah Opera's Ghost Light podcast, a behind the curtain look into the world of classical music and opera and the artists who make it. Hosted by Jeff Counts and Carol Anderson. Produced and edited by Robert Bedont.

Episode 9.13 - Madame Butterfly Prelude Part Two

Ghost Light Podcast (Utah Symphony | Utah Opera)

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