UTAH PUBLIC RADIO PREMIERS ON STAGE WITH MICHAEL BALLAM

As the 11th season of the Logan-based Utah Festival Opera Company approaches, the opera’s Founder and General Director Michael Ballam is busy launching a new program on statewide Utah Public Radio.

The debut airing of “On Stage With Michael Ballam” is Saturday, June 14, at 11 a.m. Every Saturday this new 30-minute feature will precede UPR’s Saturday opera programming.

“It’s a program that will explore the wonder and majesty of musical theater,” said Ballam. “Everything from Beethoven to Broadway.”

Ballam said the first program will examine the birth of opera, from the beginning at the Florentine Camarata to the present, including works of this century. The next week (June 21), features a look at the influence of music in initiating and sustaining revolutions.

Ballam said the idea for the program originated with Utah State University President Kermit Hall.

“I’m excited to be able to share a passion I have for both music and the stage,” said Ballam.

Michael Ballam is a Logan native whose professional operatic and recital careers have spanned nearly three decades and four continents. He has performed in the major concert halls in America, Europe, Asia and the Soviet Union. He has shared the stage with the world’s greatest singers, including Joan Sutherland, Kiri TeKanawa, and Placido Domingo.

At the age of 24 Ballam became the youngest recipient of a doctorate in music with distinction at Indiana University. He is a professor of music at Utah State University and an accomplished pianist and oboist.

A service of Utah State University, Utah Public Radio is heard on KUSU (91.5 FM) and KUSR (89.5 FM) in Logan and throughout Utah on a system of 26 translators.

The Utah Public Radio Web site has more information at upr.org.