Scott R. Bergeson

Scott R. Bergeson

St. Charles native, Scott R. Bergeson, 69, died of natural causes on October 28, 2020, at his home in Jay, Vermont.

With engagements at some of the nation's most prestigious opera companies, symphonies and universities, Maestro Bergeson cultivated a wealth of experience as conductor, coach and accompanist. Following studies in conducting and piano at Oberlin Conservatory, the Hochschule für Musik in Berlin and at the Juilliard School, where he was recipient of an American Opera Center Fellowship, Bergeson joined the music staff of the New York City Opera as Assistant Conductor in 1977 under Beverly Sills, and in 1980 became the recipient of the Julius Rudel Award. He made his conducting debut with the company in 1981, leading a performance of Nicolai's Merry Wives of Windsor. During the next thirteen seasons, he conducted more than 300 performances with the company, including the world premiere of Dominick Argento's Casanova's Homecoming and three "Live from Lincoln Center" TV broadcasts (The Cunning Little Vixen, Candide, Le Nozze di Figaro). From 1980-2005 Bergeson conducted 22 productions with Cleveland Opera.

With the San Francisco Opera, from 1997-2001, he was on staff of their Merola Opera Program for emerging young artists, where he led multiple productions.

In 1992, he was invited to join the staff of the Metropolitan Opera as Assistant Conductor, assuming the musical preparation for a wide range of repertory. In 1998 he made his conducting debut at the Met and subsequently took the podium for performances of Die Zauberflöte, Salome, La Traviata, Idomeneo, The Rake's Progress and Le Nozze di Figaro, conducting such notable international stars as Placido Domingo, Anne Sophie von Otter, Hei Kyung Hong, Karita Mattila and Bryn Terfel. His vast experience spans the globe, having led performances with companies throughout the US, including Cleveland Opera, Opera Theater of St. Louis, Santa Fe Opera, Wolf Trap Opera, Connecticut Opera, Fort Worth Opera, Kentucky Opera, Utah Opera, San Diego Opera, Cincinnati Opera, Philadelphia Opera, Minnesota Opera, Tri-Cities Opera, Aspen Music Festival and Orlando Opera, as well as in Europe, including Brussels' Theatre la Monnaie, Oslo's Den Norske Opera, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestrain Norway, Philharmonic Orchestra of Bucharest in Romania and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra.

Scott is survived by two brothers: John (Debbie) and his nephews John and Scott; and his youngest brother Rich (Maureen) and his nephews C.J., Dan (Stacy) and his niece Colleen (Kevin), along with his great nieces and nephews Mady, Izzy, Alex, Zakary, James, Jade, Klara, Cam, Kaylani, and another great niece due in February. He is also survived by many loving cousins and a very special Uncle Ted and Aunt Ellen Bergeson of Batavia. He also leaves behind many cherished friends who will forever miss his sharp wit and charming contrariness.

Scott was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Betty Bergeson, and many aunts and uncles.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at a later date to be announced.