ABOUT REG

Reg Huston, has been writing poems throughout his life but he started writing prolifically during the COVID 19 shutdown. When classical singer Susanne Mentzer read some of his poems she felt that some would be enhanced by setting them to music. What started as a random Christmas gift to Reg with a setting by Jake Heggie turned into a full-fledged project of song commissions.

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Reg is performer, a father, and a supporter of youth related performing arts.

A native of Sacramento, CA he studied at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA where he received his Bachelor and Master Degrees and quickly went into the opera world by being a charter member of the Hidden Valley Music Seminars opera ensemble, singing with the Music Academy of the West  and with the San Francisco Opera Merola program before heading to do advanced studies in Vienna.

He performed as Figaro in the Marriage of Figaro, directed by Peter Ustinov at the Salzburg Mozarteum resulting in a two-year contract with the Hamburg State Opera in Hamburg, Germany. After returning to the states Reg continued to perform at Hidden Valley Opera where he performed over 30 roles from 1977-1986. For 35 years, he has performed leading roles with The Western Stage, Pacific Repertory Theater and the Forest Theater Guild. He has also performed as a vocal soloist with every major performing ensemble in Monterey County.

In addition to his performing life, Reg oversaw the care for many programs for middle schools throughout Monterey County called Sound Encounters. Reg then became Director of Programs with Youth Music Monterey (1988-1994) which sponsored the Youth and Honors Orchestras of Monterey County and Summer Music Monterey – 2 to 3 week camps in jazz and orchestral music for high school students.

As a former professional fundraiser for a multitude of charities in Monterey County, he is the Founder and Executive Director of the S.T.A.R. Foundation of Monterey County (Support the Arts Regionally). With a life-long connection with the theatrical experience, Reg felt a desire to help provide opportunities for young people to have those same experiences. For this he was awarded “Philanthropist of the Year” by the Arts Council for Monterey County and recognized by the California State Senate for his contribution to the arts.

Reg is a member of ASCAP.