Chandler Peveto as Peter in Steamboat Opera's 2023 production of Proving Up

When opportunity knocked, Chandler Peveto, a Colorado State University graduate voice major, answered the call.

Dr. Nicole Asel, professor of music in the voice area, contacted Peveto about an opportunity with Opera Steamboat after a previous performer found himself unable to sing. This opportunity led to a contract for Peveto to fill the role of Harry in Stephen Sondheim’s Company.

When Peveto auditioned a second time this past summer for Opera Steamboat, he was contracted to perform two roles; Pinellino in Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi, and Peter Zegner in Missy Mazzoli’s Proving Up.

About Opera Steamboat

Located in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Opera Steamboat was founded in 2002. It functions as a nonprofit opera company with a vision to bring world-class musical arts programs to a unique Rocky Mountain setting. The organization’s mission is “to enrich the well-being of our community through innovative, educational, and collaborative musical arts programs.”

Opera Steamboat notes, “A vital component to realizing this mission is our deep partnerships with nonprofit organizations, both musical and non-musical, that support and enhance the activities of each organization by harnessing the transformative power of the musical arts.”

To learn more, visit operasteamboat.org/

Ralph Opera Program at CSU

Peveto credits CSU with providing him with the tools and confidence to audition for Opera Steamboat a second time, specifically, voice faculty Dr. Nicole Asel and Dr. Tiffany Blake, who encouraged his growth as an opera singer.

“Dr. Asel has always been an encouraging mentor to me,” Peveto said. “She teaches me how best to sing in a healthy manner that I can use to express myself in different characters, voices, and emotional expressions.”

Dr. Asel, who has known Peveto for more than six years, finds him a joy to teach. Asel said, “He is one of the most curious students I have ever taught. He brings a feeling of 'awe' to our technical work and his study of the repertoire. He comes to each piece and role with a unique enthusiasm and diligence.”

Chandler Peveto as Harry in Steamboat Opera's 2023 production of Company

In Spring 2023, Dr. Blake, director of the Ralph Opera Program at CSU, worked with Peveto, who played Top in The Tender Land by Aaron Copland. Blake said, “Chandler is an engaging performer. He brings a truly genuine presence to the stage. He is easy to direct because he has an instinct for expressing characters through his physicality and vocalism.”

Peveto said, "Dr. Blake's direction in the past Opera Scenes and The Tender Land has shown me that I have the freedom to bring ideas to the table about my characters and can express them on the stage with her guidance.”

Speaking of his time with Steamboat Opera, Peveto described the experience as enlightening and gratifying. “I got to work with singers and coaches from all around the world (Seung Hyeon Baek, Alaina de Bellevue, Christopher Zemliauskas, and Beth Nielsen), participate in masterclasses, perform scenes programs, and experience productions outside of school,” said Peveto.

Matters of the Heart

During his initial performance with Steamboat Opera in Company, Peveto answered another knock...this time, on his heart.

Since performing alongside Michaela Wright, who played Sarah in Company, the two have become engaged. Peveto said, “We met playing husband and wife in my first contracted show outside of school, and now we are planning our wedding to become husband and wife.”

From his time at CSU to his experience as a Young Artist at Steamboat Opera, whatever the future holds, Chandler Peveto is poised to answer!