Glimmerglass Festival Gala Celebrates Young Artists Program Anniversary

The Glimmerglass Festival, the Central New York summer opera company, will celebrate its Young Artists and Summer Internship programs at GL!MMERATA, its 2013 Spring Gala, April 10 at The Metropolitan Club in Manhattan. The 2013 season marks the 25^th anniversary of the company's Young Artists Program, the acclaimed apprenticeship for emerging singers.

The event will be hosted by Glimmerglass Festival Artistic & General Director Francesca Zambello with Gala Chairs Patricia Chadwick and Nina Lesavoy, and Co-Chairs Julie and Nathan Gunn. The evening will begin with cocktails and hors d' oeuvres at 6:30 p.m., followed at 7:30 p.m. by performances from Eric Owens, Julie and Nathan Gunn, Jay Hunter Morris, KLea Blackhurst, as well as Andriana Chuchman, DWayne Croft, David Pittsinger, Nadine Sierra, Noah Stewart and Peter Volpe. Following dinner with the performers and members of the Young Artists Program, the gala will culminate with dessert and dancing to the Peter Duchin Orchestra.

"GL!MMERATA brings together Glimmerglass principal performers, emerging singers, friends and patrons for a gala evening that is truly fun," Zambello said. "Especially gratifying is the event fully benefits our Young Artists and Summer Internships programs, which have helped launch the careers of many of today's stars and industry leaders. I am also pleased to have both our 2012 and 2013 Artists in Residence - Eric Owens and Julie and Nathan Gunn - performing that evening."

Zambello began The Glimmerglass Festival Artist in Residence Program with her first season in 2011. The Artist in Residence joins the company for the entire summer and is fully integrated into the Festival, working as a coach and mentor to the Young Artists, as well as performing in a mainstage production and concert. Deborah Voigt inaugurated the role, followed by Eric Owens. Julie and Nathan Gunn will join Glimmerglass in 2013.

Each summer, 40 emerging singers, pianists and stage directors and 60 production and arts administration interns arrive at The Glimmerglass Festival to be coached, trained and mentored by some of the world's finest talents and industry leaders. More than 1,500 students and recent graduates annually apply for the 100 positions.

The Young Artists Program has helped launch the careers of many singers, including Isabel Bayrakdarian, Sarah Coburn, Christine Goerke and Anthony Roth Costanzo. The Festival's production and administration internships provide the opportunity for young professionals and students to experience the fast-paced world of repertory opera and musical theater. Alumni of the Glimmerglass Internship Program work in esteemed theater and opera companies around the world.

Attire for GL!MMERATA is black tie or cocktail. Tickets range from $1,000 to $2,500; tables of 10 range from $10,000 to $25,000. For reservations and additional information, call The Glimmerglass Festival Development Department at (607) 547-0700 ext. 209. The Metropolitan Club is located at 1 East 60^th Street.

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