a one-of-a-kind summer destination

We think you’ll agree that The Glimmerglass Festival is a one-of-a-kind summer destination, blending world-class opera and musical theater and events with renowned personalities and artists with a relaxed, casual atmosphere in the heart of Central New York.

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Join us in 2020

When you purchase tickets to two or more productions, you save on regularly priced tickets and receive first access to all other shows and events.

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2019 Festival Events

Judith Skinner as Queenie in Show Boat. Photo: Karli Cadel

Show Boat

July 6, 2019 - August 24, 2019

Revolutionary for its exploration of serious themes, Show Boat blends humanity and humor with hit tunes as we follow Cap'n Andy Hawks and his extended family on a journey of love and heartbreak.

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Cast raises candles to couple, center, in the 2019 production of La traviata.

La traviata

July 7, 2019 - August 24, 2019

The Parisian courtesan Violetta leaves a life of extravagance when she falls in love with Alfredo. But soon she is forced to make a terrible choice. With showpiece arias such as "Sempre libera" and its touching story, La traviata is one of the most beloved works in the operatic canon.

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Woman crouches down in front of scenery in the 2019 production of The Ghosts of Versailles.

The Ghosts of Versailles

July 13, 2019 - August 23, 2019

In this hilarious nod to The Barber of Seville and The Marriage of Figaro, the ghost of Marie Antoinette is upset about her untimely ending, so her favorite playwright, Beaumarchais, attempts to amuse her with a new work.

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Mother holds hands of husband and son in the 2019 production of Blue.

Blue

July 14, 2019 - August 22, 2019

Reflective of a familiar American headline, this new work by Jeanine Tesori and Tazewell Thompson centers on the hopes and fears of a young black couple as they raise a son in Harlem. In this story of love and loss, we see the father, a police officer, and the mother supported by a loving community of fellow law enforcement, churchgoers and friends as they respond to the killing of their son.

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Glimmerglass Festival Theater

Springfield Appreciation Concert

June 30, 2019

The Glimmerglass Festival previews its 2019 season, with proceeds benefitting the Springfield Center Fourth of July Committee. Tickets sold at Tom & Kelley's in Springfield, or by calling  315-858-0304.

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Klea Blackhurst Photo by Jack Vartoogian

Klea Blackhurst: Everything The Traffic Will Allow

July 28, 2019

A dedicated self-proclaimed “Mermanologist,” Klea Blackhurst's show surveys stops along Ethel Merman’s career from “I Got Rhythm” from Girl Crazy to “I Got Lost in His Arms” from Annie Get Your Gun. A tribute rather than an imitation, Klea's powerful vocals and cracking wit create a beautiful valentine to Merman.

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Ta-Nehisi Coates

August 2, 2019

Ta-Nehisi Coates, the author of bestselling books The Beautiful Struggle, We Were Eight Years in Power and Between the World And Me,comes to the Alice Busch Opera Theater for an engaging discussion.

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The Queen of Spades

August 6 - 19, 2019

Tchaikovsky's opera, inspired by Pushkin's short story, offers a gripping tale of the consequences of obsessive greed.

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Noah's Flood | Photo: by Karli Cadel

Noah’s Flood

August 2 - 9, 2019

This charming opera with text from the Chester Mystery Play about Noah's Ark stars the Glimmerglass Youth Chorus and members of the Young Artists Program.

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Stars’ Night Out

July 29, 2019

Join the principal artists of the 2019 Festival as they showcase their full range of talents. From tap dancing to solos and singalongs, this is a star-studded night full of personality and fun.

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ShowTalk: Ted Chapin

August 10, 2019

Ted Chapin, President and Chief Creative Officer of Rodgers and Hammerstein, discusses "Show Boat, an integrated musical in the era of operetta." Members of the Young Artists Program perform selected excerpts as part of this presentation.

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ShowTalk: Olivier Meslay

August 17, 2019

Olivier Meslay, Hardymon Director of the Clark Art Institute, presents an illustrated talk entitled "Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI, from Versailles to Prison."

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