It's been 27 years since Il Trovatore was part of the four operas produced each season by Salt Lake City's internationally-acclaimed opera company. Verdi was a master and even an opera novice would recognize the hum-able tunes from this production that debuted in Rome in 1853 (like the Anvil Chorus: used in Tiny Toons cartoons, spoofed by Gilbert and Sullivan, and played by Glenn Miller and his orchestra).

An evening of elegance, with a local food inspired pre-event meal at Bambara (or any of downtowns delish restaurants), proves that downtown SLC is a savvy metropolis. Glade Peterson created Utah Opera in 1978; his legacy lives on in treasured performances. Thanks Glade (and all involved) for providing me and the opera-loving community with phenomenally memorable experiences, year after year.

Utah Opera coins the 2012-2013 season as: "Brilliant Stories. Vivid Music. Escape to a world of passion, magic, and laughter." I believe it all to be true. Three operas remain and I look forward to each one.

Florencia en el Amazonas by Daniel Catan: Jan. 19, 21, 24, 25, 27
The Magic Flute by Mozart: March 16, 18, 20, 22, 24
The Barber of Seville by Rossini: May 11, 13, 15, 17, 19

For details, tickets, and synopses, visit www.utahopera.org.