BY KAREN BOSSICK
Kyle Johnson has stepped in to head the Sun Valley Opera at least temporarily following the resignation of Edwin Outwater III.
Outwater resigned after 10 years as chairman and CEO of the opera, citing pressing matters that need his full attention.
“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 life performance brings to an audience,” he said.
Johnson, an enthusiastic opera supporter, lives with his wife—nationally renowned artist Judith Kindler-- in mid-valley. The couple moved here full time a few years ago after having split their time between Ketchum and Seattle where Kyle was a mediator and arbitrator.
“Sun Valley Opera has a great history in this community of providing terrific musical events,” he said. “I intend to maintain and further that tradition including events during the pandemic that comply with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control.”
The opera’s executive director Robyn Watson said that the opera is fortunate to have such creative and strong leadership with Kyle at the helm during this difficult time for the performing arts.
Under his direction and with the help of the Opera Board, the organization will present a Movie al Fresco Night on the Sun Valley Pavilion Lawn near the end of August. The 2004 musical movie version of “The Phantom of the Opera” will be screened that night.
The Sun Valley Opera also is considering ways to celebrate its 20th anniversary in January 2021.
“For the immediate future, the only limitations on music-oriented events are technological, as remote performances are the new order of the day,” said Frank Meyer, co-founder and president of the Opera.