Mary Birnbaum, currently the General and Artistic Director of Saratoga Springs’ Opera Saratoga, will transition to the role of Artistic Advisor at the beginning of 2027. This new position will enable Birnbaum, one of the nation’s most admired opera stage directors, to dedicate more time to directing projects on a national scale.

Photo of Mary Birnbaum (credit Jiyang Chen)

Since beginning her artistic tenure in March 2023, Birnbaum has contributed to Opera Saratoga‘s growth in many realms. Her contributions to the organization include increasing artistic programming and relaunching a musical education program for schoolchildren. Furthermore, she has greatly expanded the company’s Songs By Heart program, which uses music as a medium to engage with residents in memory care communities.

Birnbaum has also introduced an annual winter production series to complement Opera Saratoga’s summer festival season. This winter’s show, La traviata, will take place on Dec. 4 at Universal Presentation Hall.

Happy End at Opera Saratoga (Nua Photography)

Over the course of her work with Opera Saratoga, Birnbaum has spent time collaborating with other local opera companies. In conjunction with the Glimmerglass Festival, Finger Lakes Opera, and the Seagle Festival, she directed a new touring production of Happy End, which will be performed at New York City’s Kaufman Music Center on Dec. 4.

During her final months in her directorial role with Opera Saratoga, Birnbaum has several projects lined up, including directing The Many Deaths of Laila Starr at Minnesota Opera and collaborating with pianist Adam Tendler to produce a staged version of Mikrokosmos by Béla Bartók.

The Board of Directors at Opera Saratoga is currently searching for a new General and Artistic Director. After her tenure as director ends, Birnbaum will remain with the company in an advisory role, overseeing the beginning of the 2027 season and ensuring a smooth passage of leadership to her successor.

As she nears the end of her time as General and Artistic Director, Mary Birnbaum reflects that Opera Saratoga is “more financially secure, more artistically ambitious, and more connected to its community” than it was upon her arrival. Though her colleagues will miss her leadership, the growth Opera Saratoga has seen under her guidance will remain.

Tickets for Happy End and La traviata can be purchased online at the Opera Saratoga website.