Sylvia Debenport, 77, died Dec. 10, 2009. She completed all degree work in music at Indiana University. In her early years, she was on the staff of the Santa Fe Opera and spent several summers at Marlborough Music where she studied with Martial Singher after which she worked professionally in New York City while continuing her vocal studies. For many years, she was a member of the voice faculty and director of the opera program at the University of Alabama Tuscaloosa. From 1978 until her retirement, she was Professor of Music and Associate Director of Lyric Opera Theater at ASU in Tempe Arizona.  She directed opera productions in the southwest and at the Connecticut Early Music Festival. Following her retirement, she relocated to Atlanta and continued to spend summers at her home in Lake City, Colorado. She is survived by her partner, Shelley McGehee and a sister. She was predeceased by two brothers.