The Utah Festival Opera Company opened its 17th season Wednesday with what Operations Manager Gary Griffin called a “magnificent” performance of “Carmen.”Griffin said it was exciting when the opera’s Founding and General Director Michael Ballam made his first curtain speech ever, dedicating the season to the late Larry H. Miller, who donated millions of dollars to the UFOC prior to his death earlier this year.”Michael gave a very emotional dedication to Larry,” Griffin said. “(He) talked about what he’s done for our company and how there wouldn’t be a Utah Festival Opera Company were it not for Larry H. Miller and his generosity towards us.”As usual, opening night was not a sell-out but Griffin said a good-sized crowd was there, with many of them taking advantage of the opening week’s 50-percent discount on tickets. Griffin said a lot of tickets have been sold for tonight’s performance of “Camelot.”