Glimmerglass Festival

The Glimmerglass Festival is a renowned professional non-profit summer opera company, celebrated for its commitment to producing new and innovative productions each season. Founded in the scenic Cooperstown area, the festival has become a cultural cornerstone, attracting an international audience and showcasing the talents of singers, directors, designers, and staff from around the globe. Situated in the idyllic Alice Busch Opera Theater, The Glimmerglass Festival is known for its tradition of staging four new fully staged productions annually. These include three operas and one work of American musical theater, all performed with a full orchestra, large cast, and without sound amplification. The festival's programming is further enriched by a variety of special performances, cabarets, concerts, lectures, and symposiums that take place throughout the season. In 2022, Rob Ainsley was appointed as the Artistic & General Director of the festival, with the 2023 season marking his inaugural year at the helm. Under his leadership, The Glimmerglass Festival continues to uphold its mission to produce a mix of new, lesser-known, and familiar operas and musicals in innovative ways. Moreover, the festival provides professional training and performance opportunities for emerging artists and interns, while engaging renowned artists who elevate the standard of excellence. The Glimmerglass Festival is deeply committed to inspiring dialogue around significant contemporary issues through the powerful mediums of song and story. It actively collaborates with regional organizations, schools, and businesses to enrich the cultural life of Central New York. In recognition of its location, The Glimmerglass Festival acknowledges the Mohawk and Oneida, members of the Haudenosaunee Iroquois Confederacy, as the original stewards of the land. The festival pays homage to those who were forcibly removed due to colonial and genocidal policies, and it honors the indigenous communities that continue to inhabit the area today. The Glimmerglass Festival's dedication to community and artistic excellence is reflected in its annual reports, which provide insights into the organization's operations and achievements. These reports are publicly available, highlighting the festival's transparency and accountability. As a cultural institution, The Glimmerglass Festival not only presents world-class opera and musical theater but also plays a vital role in the community by fostering appreciation for the arts and promoting social awareness. Its commitment to excellence and community engagement makes it a unique and essential part of the cultural landscape in Central New York.