On Feb. 9, Opera Saratoga’s board of directors named Mary Birnbaum their new general and artistic director. Birnbaum succeeds Lawrence Edelson, whose eight-year tenure concluded at the end of the 2022 season. The 10th general director in Opera Saratoga’s history, Birnbaum’s hiring comes ahead of the summer 2023 season.
“We are incredibly excited and honored to have Mary Birnbaum join Opera Saratoga. She was selected after an extensive nationwide search, in which we interviewed many highly qualified candidates. Mary’s level of enthusiasm and love of opera are infectious and I am certain she will be an inspirational leader for the company as well as an integral part of the Saratoga Springs community,” said Board President Steve Rosenblum.
Other than her hiring at Opera Saratoga, Birnbaum teaches acting for singers as the Dramatic Advisor to the Masters of Music and Graduate Diploma Program at Juilliard. Birnhaum will main her position at Juilliard in addition to her role at Opera Saratoga. Birnbaum has worked both internationally, from Taiwan (Otello) to Australia and Israel, and across the U.S.
“I am thrilled to accept the position of General and Artistic Director of Opera Saratoga and look forward to collaborating with the talented staff and superior board of directors to bring exceptional music theater to Saratoga Springs and the surrounding communities,” Birnbaum said.
Fans can meet Birnbaum this summer, during the 2023 festival season. Her introduction to the public will happen on Thursday, June 8, 2023, at the Saratoga National Golf Club.
Opera Saratoga started under the name Lake George Opera Festival on July 5, 1962. Its first production was Die Fledermaus at the Diamond Point Theatre. The company now calls Saratoga Springs home and has put on productions for more than 25,000 people annually.
Shortly after Birnbaum’s introduction, Opera Saratoga’s summer festival will begin Friday, June 30, and continue until Sunday, July 9. Curated by Managing Director Amanda Robie, Don Pasquale, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, and The Selfish Giant, are among the acts set to perform. Tickets can be purchased through www.operasaratoga.org.
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