News from the Noteworthy from The Glimmerglass Festival

Festival Announces New Outreach Programs

Thousands of people are drawn to The Glimmerglass Festival each summer, both as creatives and spectators—with its sublime setting, world-class reputation, and custom-built theater, it is easy to understand why. But Glimmerglass is not just about great theater; we are a company devoted to fostering a vibrant community. In that spirit, we announced two new initiatives last week, Neighbors’ Nights and Lyrics on the Lawn.

Neighbors’ Nights are our thank you to our steadfast supporters in the region. After all, Glimmerglass would not be what it is today without our local audiences.

From our storied beginning as a group of local music lovers staging an opera in the Cooperstown High School auditorium to our world-renowned productions today, like 2024’s “Pagliacci,” we are committed to showcasing the talent of local performers. The Glimmerglass Festival is woven into the fabric of this community. To say thank you for nearly 50 years of enduring support, on Thursday nights throughout August, we invite our neighbors in the region to experience “The Pirates of Penzance” or “Pagliacci” for a mere $35.00 a ticket for any seat in the theater, at a fraction of the usual cost.

Neighbors’ Nights are made possible by the generous sponsorship of Honorary Life Trustees Faith E. Gay and Francesca Zambello, Trustee Patricia Chadwick and Amica Companies Foundation, and longtime supporter Andrew Martin-Weber. Thanks to their generosity, we can offer these deeply discounted tickets, making Neighbors’ Nights accessible to anyone keen to experience the festival.

Our commitment to our local community extends to our free outdoor series, Lyrics on the Lawn. Hosted on a new outdoor stage one hour before each production of “Pagliacci,” Lyrics on the Lawn concerts are an immersive part of that show, or they can simply be enjoyed on their own, with no need to see or know the story of “Pagliacci.” When you come, be sure to bring chairs or blankets and enjoy the show under the open sky. We encourage you to make the most of this unique experience by pre-ordering a meal from The Horned Dorset, grabbing a drink from our Marketplace Bistro or bringing your own picnic.

In a world often fraught with division and discord, we hope initiatives like Neighbors’ Nights and Lyrics on the Lawn offer a different view—a testament to the boundless possibilities when art, community, and generosity converge. So, whether you’re a theater aficionado or a curious newcomer, let us come together this summer and celebrate the richness of our community tapestry at The Glimmerglass Festival.

To take advantage of Neighbors’ Nights or learn more about Lyrics on the Lawn and other community concerts, call the Box Office at (607) 547-2255, Monday through Friday, between 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Rob Ainsley is artistic and general director of The Glimmerglass Festival.