Ardean Watts photograph collection

Collection

Identifier: P2104

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Ardean Watts photograph collection consists of 3 boxes containing 705 photographs, copy prints, transparencies, and negatives related to Ardean Watts' career in performing arts. Included are images of theatre and opera productions, actors, symphonies, rehearsals, fundraisers, galas, receptions, personal life and his travel to Japan. Box 3 contains oversized photographs. The collection dates from approximately 1965 to 1995.

Dates

1965-1995

Creator

Watts, Ardean W. (Ardean Walton), 1928-2017 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.

Conditions Governing Use

It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances.

Permission to publish material from the Ardean Watts photograph collection must be obtained from the Special Collections Manuscript Curator.

Biographical Note

Ardean Walton Watts was born on June 8, 1928, in Kanosh, Utah, to Dewena Walton and Baldwin Ardell Watts. A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Watts served a mission in New England before enrolling at Brigham Young University (BYU), where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Watts continued his education at the Academy of Music in Vienna, Austria, where he studied piano; he also graduated from the University of Utah with a Master of Arts degree. In 1951, Ardean Watts married Elna Elaine Brown; together, they had eight children.

Watts worked in many positions in Utah’s performing arts. One of his early jobs was directing a Jazz band that gave regular performances at Saltair. Between 1951 and 1952, Watts worked as Assistant Director of the BYU A Capella Choir. In 1956, Maurice Abravanel, who served as his mentor, hired Watts as the pianist for the Utah Symphony, a role that he held until 1978. Later, Watts served as the Associate Conductor for the Utah Symphony (1956-1979). Additionally, Watts served as the Musical Director of Ballet West, Pioneer Memorial Theatre, and the University of Utah Opera Company. Watts was the founder, executive and artistic director of the University of Utah Opera Company (1965-1978), as well as the Musical Director for University of Utah Theatre (1958-1966). In 1993, Watts was appointed chairman of the Utah Arts Council.

In addition to his work in performing arts, Watts was a member of the Rotary Club and founded the Utah Mushroom Society. Watts received numerous awards for his contributions to Utah’s performing arts, including the University of Utah's Distinguished Teaching award (1992), the Madeleine Award for Distinguished Service to the Arts and Humanities (1996), and the Governor's Award in the Arts (1997).

Ardean Walton Watts died on July 21, 2017.

Extent

705 Items (3 boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Ardean Watts (1928-2017) was a musician and conductor who served in many positions in Utah's arts communities, including pianist for the Utah Symphony (1956-1978), Associate Conductor for the Utah Symphony (1956-1979), director of the University of Utah Opera Company (1965-1978), and chairman of hte Utah Arts Council. This collection contains photographs, transparencies, and negatives related to Watts' career in the Utah fine arts and to his personal life and travels.