COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. — Glimmerglass Festival will not host any live performances this summer as a precaution against the spread of coronavirus.
The Glimmerglass Festival Board of Trustees voted to cancel any live performances at the theater for the health and safety of the company and community.
The opera and music theater festival usually holds more than 100 public events over the summer festival season, as well as workshops and other programs for area youth. General Director Francesca Zambello says Glimmerglass is working on finding other avenues to share the music.
"We had already adjusted plans and schedules in the hope we might be able to welcome company members and audience members for a Festival this summer. But in considering the health and safety of our artists and staff, and following New York State and CDC recommendations, we must now instead focus on how we can provide an opportunity for people to come together around song and story — without coming together in person,” she said.
They are also working to develop virtual programs for young people in the mentoring programs.
“Behind the scenes, the company invests an enormous amount of energy in training the young people who make up the future of the art form. These include both group workshops and one-on-one mentoring from established professionals, and the Glimmerglass team is working hard to develop a robust selection of virtual opportunities for this summer,” said Zambello.
The cost of tickets to the 2020 Festival can be donated back to the company to be used for professional education initiatives and supporting 2020 company members, or refunded at face value.
The Glimmerglass Festival Board of Trustees, Zambello and Faith Gay, have committed to match the value of all tickets donated up to $500,000.
Questions can be directed to The Glimmerglass Festival Box Office at 607-547-2255 or info@glimmerglass.org.
