Glimmerglass FESTIVAL 2023

LA BOHÈME • CANDIDE

THE RIP VAN WINKLES • LOVE & WAR

ROMEO AND JULIET • RINALDO

AN EVENING WITH ANTHONY ROTH COSTANZO

The Glimmerglass Festival would like to acknowledge the Mohawk and Oneida, members of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, the original stewards of this land. We take this time to pay tribute to those who were forcibly removed from their homelands due to colonial and genocidal agendas, and those who continue to inhabit the land today. To learn more about how you can act in solidarity, visit www.nativegov.org today.

(Sources: www.nativegov.org; www.native-land.ca)

Welcome!

Here at Glimmerglass, we have something for you—no matter who you are, where you come from, or how old you might be.

Growing up, I was exposed to all kinds of music. My earliest memory is sounds of my parents’ favorite bands. I remember performing in the children’s chorus of a production of Carmen. I couldn’t believe one person could play an entire opera—how did they learn it all? I took up the piano to find out. Later, I was astonished that a single instrument could lead an entire cathedral in song—so I studied the organ to try it for myself. As a senior in high school, I was envious that our Music Director got to shape the music through the power of their imagination and personality—so I asked if I could conduct.

This season explores the moments of curiosity and discovery that shape our futures before life’s constraints start to pin us down. This is what moves us about Puccini’s bohemians, Voltaire’s wandering innocent, Shakespeare’s young lovers, and Handel’s heroic knights. We encounter the same spirit of possibility daily; Glimmerglass has been at the forefront of training the next generation of great singers and theater professionals for nearly five decades, and the ongoing dialogue between generations is one of the things that makes this place so special. More recently, we have expanded opportunities for local children to take center stage through our annual youth opera. This is a place where ideas can blossom, and self-expression is encouraged and supported.

Speaking of support and encouragement—we owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Robert Nelson, our outgoing Board Chair, for his extraordinary leadership these past six years. Through countless acts of generosity, Robert and his husband Van have been integral to every part of Glimmerglass’s success, helping successfully steer the company through the challenges of the pandemic and the recent leadership transition. While Robert is taking a well-deserved break from his official leadership responsibilities (although remaining a member of the Executive Committee), Robert and Van will always be part of the Glimmerglass family.

Glimmerglass’s secret lies, like opera’s, in its inherent unlikelihood. That our theater should exist here, nestled on this perfect lake, is deliciously improbable. We gather here to celebrate the most complete and perfect of art forms, and we do it in one of the most unspoiled landscapes in the country. Opera demands our every skill and resource to bring it to life; it captures history and makes change for the future. Opera connects us to our collective humanity, touching our souls with its transcendence and power.

Big words. It is also plain fun. Great singing, catchy tunes, gorgeous sets, ravishing costumes, fantastic dancing. Escapism, entertainment, a night out with friends. A show.

Whatever opera means for you, thank you for being here to share in this grand expression of possibility. Thank you to the Glimmerglass Board and Staff for their invaluable support. Thank you to the many foundations, donors, and patrons who make our work possible. Thank you for helping so many follow their dreams. I cannot wait to see what we will dream together.

Rob Ainsley Artistic & General Director