2026
TITLE SPONSORS
Anonymous
James R. and Nanette S. Michie Foundation
Roger H. and Colleen K. Thompson Foundation
CONCERT SPONSORS
IMPRESARIO
Jeff Shields
CONDUCTOR
George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation
Sarah McCarthey
SOLOIST
John and Liz Bennion
TABLE SPONSORS
Lisa and Eric Evans
Kathie and Chuck Horman
Libby Hunter
Michelle Michie and Bob Stringham
Anne Neeley
Lesli Rice
Byron Russell LLC
University Advancement
IN-KIND SPONSORS
Lori Tolbert Catering
TWIG Media Lab
March 6, 2026
Libby Gardner Concert Hall | 8 p.m.
HONORING OUR CAMERATA AWARD RECIPIENTS
Lawrence T. & Janet T. Dee Foundation and Merla Little
Celebrating the School of Music’s talented students, outstanding faculty, and the generous supporters that ensure its success.
Raising funds for scholarships, educational enrichment experiences, and instruments.
In the 16th century, a group of musicians, artists, intellectuals, and patrons of the arts came together in Florence, Italy to recreate the ancient tradition of Greek theatre. From their collaboration came opera, forever altering the course of the Western classical music tradition. We now know this famous group as the “Florentine Camerata,” whose name is synonymous with passion, dedication, talent, and achievement. In this tradition, the School of Music’s Camerata Award recipients collectively ensure that music flourishes in our community.
Wilma and Herb Livsey
Kathie and Chuck Horman | Susan Duehlmeier
M. Lynn Bennion Foundation | John Marlowe Nielson
Roger H. and Colleen K. Thompson
Bruce W. Bastian | Loel T. Hepworth and Connie Jo Hepworth-Woolston
Gordon and Connie Hanks | Henry Wolking
Don and Dona Wheeler | Newell B. Weight
James R. and Nanette S. Michie | Lowell M. Durham
Nancy Peery Marriott | Vladimir Ussachevsky
Obert C. and Grace Tanner | Maurice Abravanel
Zions Bank | Janet Mann
S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney Foundation | Roger L Miller
Craig and Melissa Ballard | Edgar J. Thompson
Robert L. and Joyce T. Rice | Ardean Watts
Kem and Carolyn Gardner | Betty Jeanne Chipman
Leon and Karen F. Peterson | Lennox Larson Deem
James L. and Beverley T. Sorenson | Mikhail Boguslavsky
Skip Daynes | Marian Robertson Wilson
George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation | Jerold and JoAnn Ottley
Robert Cundick | Gladys Gladstone Rosenberg
Sally Burbidge Cassity | Helen B. Folland
Stephen B. and June W. Nebeker | Leroy J. Robertson
Please visit the School of Music Camerata Awardees Gallery in the sound locks of Libby Gardner Concert Hall to see honoree portraits.
When Lawrence Taylor Dee and Janet Teller Dee established their family foundation in 1971, they envisioned a future where philanthropy would strengthen communities across northern Utah. More than five decades later, that vision is alive and thriving—thanks to the stewardship of their descendants, who have transformed the foundation into a dynamic force for good.
Lawrence and Janet Dee believed that education and the arts were essential to a flourishing society. Their foundation became a vehicle for those ideals, focusing on arts and culture, education, healthcare, conservation, and community services. Now awarding annual grants of nearly $3 million, the foundation continues to prioritize initiatives that make life better for Utahns.
Today, leadership rests with David and Tim Dee, brothers and co-chairs of the foundation. As directors, David, Tim, and their children have embraced their roles not as mere caretakers of a legacy, but as innovators shaping its future. “Our values, vision, and mission are evolving, and we’re bringing on the next generation,” David notes. “But we always try to honor what our dad and our grandparents cared about.”
Among the foundation’s most visible contributions is its longstanding support of the University of Utah’s faculty in the Fine Arts and Humanities. Through the Dee Endowment for the Enhancement of Teaching—administered by the Council of Dee Fellows and the Dee Foundation—more than $450,000 has been invested in Fine Arts faculty initiatives and research. This funding has helped launch innovative efforts to enhance curriculum and promote interdisciplinary projects that inspire and mentor emerging artists.
The Dee Foundation plays a vital role in fostering student achievement and strengthening community within the School of Music through its Student Success Initiative. This program is designed to help students excel academically, artistically, and personally by providing essential resources and opportunities. Its academic offerings range from tutoring and academic support to inspiring guest lectures by renowned musicians and active performers. The initiative also creates meaningful opportunities for connection, bringing students together through social gatherings that cultivate a vibrant and supportive School of Music community.
Equally transformative is the foundation’s support for student and faculty travel to major festivals, competitions, and conferences worldwide. These experiences allow emerging musicians to perform and present on international stages. The foundation has also helped build and maintain the School of Music’s instrument collection. The famous and beloved LivelyFulcher Organ in Libby Gardner Hall recently received critical upgrades and students now have access to professional-grade timpani thanks to the foundation’s generosity. By underwriting these projects, the Dee Foundation ensures that talent is nurtured at the U and remains connected to the global music community.
The Dee Foundation’s commitment to music extends beyond campus. In 2017, it established the Elizabeth Brown Dee Fund for Music in the Schools with a $1 million gift to Utah Symphony Utah Opera, expanding music education statewide and reaching more than 150,000 students annually. David Dee, who also serves as a trustee for Utah Symphony Utah Opera, sees this as part of a broader mission: “Connecting the community through great live music.”
The Lawrence T. & Janet T. Dee Foundation is a story of vision and cultural stewardship. From healthcare to the arts, from Ogden to Salt Lake City, its influence is woven into the fabric of Utah life. And as the Dee families guide the foundation into its next chapter, one thing remains constant: a belief that philanthropy can transform lives, create opportunities, and inspire communities for generations to come.
A native of Utah, Merla Little grew up in Utah County, where her love for music began at the age of nine. Practicing on her grandparents’ old player piano, she discovered the joy of music as the paper roll played melodies while she pumped the pedals—a wonderful introduction to the world of piano that sparked a lifelong passion.
Merla graduated from Lehi High School and attended Brigham Young University for three years before earning her Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Utah in 1988, studying privately with Gladys Gladstone Rosenberg. Later, Janet Mann invited her to teach in the Preparatory Division, which was then a small program. Merla embraced the opportunity to collaborate with other teachers, share ideas, and help build a strong pre-college program. This experience led to her appointment as Director of the Preparatory Division and to teaching piano pedagogy classes for piano majors.
Over the decades at the University of Utah School of Music, Merla became a cornerstone of the Preparatory Division, shaping the musical journeys of countless students. She is a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and a certified piano teacher through MTNA. Her students have earned collegiate scholarships and achieved success in competitions such as the University of Utah SummerArts Piano Competition, Salt Lake Piano Competition, Utah State Piano Competition, and Sterling Scholar Awards.
Merla’s performance career includes appearances throughout the Salt Lake Valley as part of the two-piano Little-Tanner Duo. Highlights include a concert tour in Belgium with the University of Utah Wind Ensemble, the Mozart Triple Piano Concerto, and the Temple Square Recital Series.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Merla treasures her family— three sons, one daughter, and six grandchildren—spread across Utah, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Sydney, Australia. Outside of teaching, she enjoys staying active with friends, playing golf, and soaking up the sunshine. Her athletic achievements include four gold medals at the Senior Games and the Net Club Championship title with the Riverbend Ladies Association.
Merla’s teaching philosophy reflects her dedication to nurturing lifelong musicians:
“I believe it is important to teach a foundation of piano basics and knowledge of music that creates a life-long musician from the inside out. Along with learning technical skills—note reading, theory, counting, and rhythm—students are guided to take the pieces they are playing to a higher level: to create music. Learning to listen to their sound and performing are important as students grow and develop their musical gifts. I want students to feel successful, be proud of what they can accomplish, and strive for excellence. When they leave my studio, I want them to remember how much fun it is to make music.”
Prelude
Michie Jazz Quintet
Henry Pollei, saxophone
Liam Kimball, guitar
Derek Coombs, piano
Adrian De La Cruz, bass
Ethan Summerhays, drums
Supported by the James R. and Nanette S. Michie Foundation
Program
Les Préludes
Franz Liszt (1811-1866)
University of Utah Philharmonia
Robert Baldwin, conductor
Welcome
Kim Councill, Director of the School of Music
Kirstin Chávez, Professor, Voice
Piano Trio No. 1 in D Minor, Op. 32 Anton Arensky
Finale - Allegro non troppo (1861-1906)
Mount Olympus Waters Honors Piano Trio
Alina Baron, violin
Stella Wadsworth, cello
Emerald Clayton, piano
Camerata Award Presentation to the Lawrence T. & Janet T. Dee Foundation
Variations on a Korean Folk Song
University of Utah Clarinet Choir
Laura Grantier, director
Darrin Thiriot, conductor
John Barnes Chance (1932-1972)
arr. Darrin Thiriot
The Passing of the Year Jonathan Dove
5. “Ah, Sun-flower!” (b. 1959)
3. “Answer July”
University of Utah Chamber Choir
Eric Schmidt, conductor
Etude in C Minor, Op. 10, No. 12 ("Revolutionary") Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849)
Tyler Burrup, piano
Camerata Award Presentation to Merla Little
'The Sandman's Aria' and the 'Evening Prayer
Engelbert Humperdinck from Act II of HANSEL & GRETEL (1840-1893)
Nahal Falahatimarvast, The Sandman
Casey Morris, Gretel
Karley Swallow, Hansel
University of Utah Philharmonia
Robert Baldwin, conductor
“Ode to Joy” from Symphony No. 9 Ludwig van Beethoven (1770 -1827)
Melissa Heath, soprano
Kirstin Chávez, mezzo-soprano
David Silvano, tenor
James Bobick, baritone
University of Utah Chamber Choir
University of Utah A Cappella Choir
University of Utah Philharmonia
Robert Baldwin, conductor
Dr. Laura Grantier, director
Darrin Thiriot, conductor
E-flat Clarinet
Leila Sereki
B-flat Clarinet
Austin Adams
Rachael Berghahn
Dylan Castagno
Zoe Kenner
Tim Lawrence
Makayla Meredith
Sofy Rodriguez
Natasha Smith
Bass Clarinet
Braxton Joe
Cillian McGinnis
Isaac Nelson
Alto Clarinet
Randy Balderrama
Contra-alto Clarinet
Cole Johnson
Dr. Eric Schmidt, director
Xiaoyu Zhang, piano
Soprano
Kate Allan
Heather Christiansen
Caitlin Corbett
Emily Hubert
Genevieve McGill
Clara Mendez
Abby Payne
Elesa Wiser
Alto
Kayley Brinkerhoff
Kim Fairbourn
Cagney Lotz
Sarah Pierce
Miranda Stokes
Karley Swallow
Mia Widmar
Haley Wood
Tenor
Kuei-Jhu Chen
Ricky Cornejo
Jonah Gray
Cole Madsen
Nate Werrett
Enzo Willis
Amirhossein Zeinali
Dr. Eric Schmidt, director
Xiaoyu Zhang, piano
Soprano
Madison Ackroyd
Katie Burton
Lauren Buza
Kenzie Christensen
Aeryn Cousineau
Dorian Dillon
Mary Gardner
Tabby Hall
Natalie Hayes
Avanley Jones
Zara Landstedt Brynn
McCall
Max McKay
Kendall Sawkiw
Katie Wentworth
Alto
Emery Chamberlain
Danielle Hayward
Megan Hall
Meryn Lee
Juno McBride
Susie Park
Valentine Reynolds
Savannah Squire
Phoebe Yaguas
Contrabass Clarinet
Zane Jensen
Percussion
Laura Grantier
Mia Rossmango
Tenor
Cody Bailey
Kuei-Jhu Chen
Joshua Joseph
Rex Lauryssen
Daniel Watts
Junxuan Yuan
Bass
Caleb Booth
Ethan Hepworth
Mitchell Kukura
Logan Luker
James Macfarlane
Gio Nuvan
Finn Rushall
Troy Wilson
Bass
Scott Bigler
Sash Burgess
Harold DeHorney
Trey Fogg
Henrie Holder
Bryce Jenkins
Mitchell Kukura
Thomas Lu
Serge Murzin
Osbaldo Ojeda
Kyle Tinker
Tom Ward
Paul Witzel
Dr. Robert Baldwin, director
Violin 1
Sarah Francis+
Adlyn Bouck++
Mason Lunceford
Alina Baron
Aubrey Derbridge
Morgan Perry
Melanie Hansen
Maya Dean
Jewelia Spjute
Robert Means
Morgan Conlan
Lucy Stevenson
Paul Peterson
Violin 2
Abby Morrell*
Pedro Morales**
Zander Voge
Cynthia Jensen
Tyler Burrup
Isabelle Kim
Sam Petersen
Cooper Goff
Lily Lovett
Andy Gordon
Sierra Plowman
Gwen Brown
Viola
Tobias Roth*
Julian Klein**
Myalee Smith
Elena Smart
Naomi Smith
+Concertmaster
++Assistant concertmaster
*Principal **Co-principal
Cello
Marcos Rangel*
Lydia Mitchell**
Nicholas Kelley
Stella Torkelson
Debbie Hsu
Kai Bowen
Karina Miner
Julia Fierro
Eden Wilson
Isabella Alamo
Portia Quigley
Austin Kruger
Bass
Adeline Hiemstra*
Megan Hall**
Celesté Salazar
Flute
David Bennett*
Chloe Richter
Grace Loos, piccolo
Oboe
Anna Larson*
Abby McMullen
Clarinet
Rachael Berghahn*
Allie VanLeuven
Braxton Joe, bass clarinet
Bassoon
Luke Pfeil*
Braxton Topham
Horn
Adam Hendrick**
Jacob Wheelwright*
Chris Hansen
Trumpet
Kris Gilmore**
Ann Gray
Braden Eddington*
Jaden Jones
Trombone
Dorian Dillon*
Jackson Marz
Owen Mattson, bass trombone
Tuba
J. Logan Tolman*
Harp
Marienna Smith,*
Timpani
Jordan McMillan*
Percussion
Jaxon Howes
Tim Petersen
Elliot Mohlman
Thank You Merla Little and the Lawrence T. & Janet T. Dee Foundation for your leadership in music. -Wilma Livsey
Saluting Lawrence T. & Janet T. Dee Foundation and Merla Little
With appreciation for enriching excellence at the University of Utah School of Music
24th Annual Camerata Awards
Concert Gala
-James R. and Nanette S. Michie Foundation
University
We Congratulate Merla Little and the Lawrence T. and Janet T. Dee Foundation for being recipients of the Camerata Award
Thank you for playing a critical part of the arts in Utah.
We are proud of the work we do. The people we are. The difference we make.
BR LLC is also profoundly grateful for the arts—and for every artist.
Merla Little and the Lawrence T. & Janet T. Dee Foundation for your dedication to music in our community. -Anne Neeley
Thank you
Merla Little and the Lawrence T. & Janet T. Dee Foundation for your support of the University of Utah School of Music. -Lesli & Scott Rice
Heartfelt congratulations and thanks to our 24thCamerata Award Honorees. - Joyce Bennett
to the U School of Music on its 24th Camerata Awards Concert Gala! -Libby Hunter
-Eric and Lisa Evans
to the Lawrence T. & Janet T. Dee Foundation and Merla Little. Thank you for strengthening music in our community.
-Kathie and Chuck Horman
CONGRATULATIONS to the U School of Music on its 24th Camerata Awards Concert Gala! -Sarah McCarthey, PhD
Cheers to you, Lawrence T. & Janet T. Dee Foundation and Merla Little. -Robert Stringham & Michelle Michie
JOHN AND LIZ BENNION salute the faculty of the School of Music, with special recognition of the Music Education area, for their outstanding work in preparing students to teach essential skills in public schools throughout Utah and across the nation, while inspiring a lasting love of music in a new generation of children.
We are deeply grateful to the Lawrence T. & Janet T. Dee Foundation for its steadfast support of the School of Music, and the College of Fine Arts at large. Through meaningful investments in our faculty, students, instruments, and musical opportunities, the Dee family continues to shape the life of our school and enrich the arts across Utah.
The University of Utah Preparatory Division gratefully honors Merla Little for her decades of excellence and skilled leadership.
Through her inspired teaching, she has shaped not only skilled musicians, but confident and thoughtful individuals.
Her legacy of artistry and mentorship will continue to resonate for generations to come.
of Kyle Elwood, a gifted organist, dedicated scholar, and compassionate leader whose life profoundly touched our School of Music community.
Guided by Emerson’s words, “All life is an experiment,” he lived with extraordinary curiosity, purpose, and generosity. We are deeply grateful to have walked beside such a remarkable young man.
of Ed Thompson, a steadfast champion of the School of Music whose years of involvement and belief in its mission helped shape its growth and spirit over decades. The Edgar J. Thompson Chamber Music Hall stands as a lasting tribute to his deep connection to this community, the beauty he found in music, and his enduring legacy within the school.
Michelle Michie, chair
Marie Ashton
Joyce Bennett
John Bennion
Liz Bennion
Nate Bowler
Monte Caldwell
Judith Condie
Jenny Corbett
Susan Daynes
Peggy de Azevedo
Lisa Evans
Perry Fine
Carolyn Gardner
Rebecca Glade
Royden Glade
Kim Councill, PhD
Director | School of Music
THANK YOU
Event Planning Committee
Michelle Michie, chair
Joyce M. Bennett
Judith Condie
Peggy de Azevedo
Lisa Evans
Julie Olsen
Lori S. Tolbert
April Goddard
Meg Higgins
Kathie Horman
Wilma Livsey
Nick Markosian
Sarah McCarthey
Jim Michie
Scott Mietchen
Lesli and Scott Rice
Jeff Shields, chair elect
Glenda Shrader
Bob Stringham
Roger Thompson
Frank Weinstock
John W. Scheib, PhD
Dean | College of Fine Arts
Associate Vice President for the Arts
Honoree Nominating Committee
Peggy de Azevedo
April Goddard
Wilma Livsey
Michelle Michie
Scott Mietchen
