Guest Artists For "An Evening of Celebration"-- President Hinckley's Birthday celebration.

Jenny Oaks Baker began playing the violin at age 4 and has performed nationally and internationally. She received a master's degree from the Juilliard School of Music and now teaches at the Levine School of Music. She is a member of the National Symphony Orchestra.

Michael and Vanessa Ballam share a love of the performing arts. Michael Ballam's career spans two decades and four continents. He is a professor of music at Utah State University and director of the Utah Festival Opera. Vanessa, his daughter and the former Miss Utah, is pursuing a career in professional theater.

Robert C. Bowden served as conductor of the Mormon Youth Chorus and Symphony for 25 years. He has also served as conductor of the Salt Lake City Chamber Orchestra and as associate conductor of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

Ariel Bybee sang 18 consecutive seasons in more than 400 roles at the Metropolitan Opera. She loves to teach and is currently an artist-in-residence at the University of Nebraska—Lincoln, where she teaches voice and coaches and directs the opera program.

Gladys Knight began a gospel singing career at age 4 and later, with members of her family, formed a singing group called "Gladys Knight and the Pips." They became known throughout the world and eventually won three Grammy Awards. She now performs as a solo artist.

Stanford Olsen is a Utah native and has appeared over 150 times with the Metropolitan Opera. He currently lives in Florida, where he holds an endowed chair at Florida State University. He served from 1980-82 as a full-time missionary in the Austria Vienna Mission.

Jerold and JoAnn Ottley have enjoyed extensive musical careers. Jerold Ottley conducted the Mormon Tabernacle Choir for 25 years. JoAnn Ottley, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's voice coach, has soloed frequently in professional opera, oratorio, and recital. Both of them have served on the music faculty at the University of Utah.

Robert Peterson has performed on Broadway and in more than 60 productions at the University of Utah's Pioneer Theater. He attended the University of Utah and Juilliard School of Music and is currently a member of the University of Utah Theater Department.

(Source: LDS Church)