Immersed in Sound

Opera Steamboat first performed "La Bohème" by Giacomo Puccini in 2004. The timelessromance is scheduled to open the opera season in summer 2022. Photo courtesy of Carole Milligan.

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO – Bluegrass, country, straight-up rock’n’roll, classical, pop, opera, jazz – even celestial sounds – float across theYampa Valley. From Strings Music Festival, one of the most renowned classical and contemporary music festivals in the nation, to emerging stars on stage at local clubs, Steamboat Springs is engrossed in music.

The Steamboat Symphony Orchestra’s Spring Immersion 2022 literally immerses students of all ages into music for the weekend of March 4-5, culminating in a performance on Sunday, in which they perform side by side with SSO musicians. The event allows the community to hear the extraordinary grassroots talent that has been known to lead to recognition far beyond the valley. For example, of the 30 students who participate in the Steamboat Springs High School orchestra, six went to the all-state competition. Immersion weekend is held at Steamboat Springs Middle School, the only facility large enough to accommodate the demand.

Similarly, Opera Steamboat has grown from its initial vision of bringing world class opera singers to the Yampa Valley for a week into the Opera Artist Institute and a summer-long festival. For the first time, 2022 will see the schedule span June, July and August. "La Bohème" opens the festival on Saturday, June 18. Visitors may be initially surprised at the caliber of Opera Steamboat performances; they should not be. Not only does the opera attract top performers from world-renowned companies, but after all, the YampaValley is known for its talent.