Robert Ainsley has been appointed the next artistic and general director of the Glimmerglass Festival.  Ainsley’s resume includes director of the Washington National Opera’s Cafritz Young Artists Program and the American Opera Initiative.

“The staff is really excited to be working with Rob and to help implement his vision,” Brittany Lesavoy, Glimmerglass communications director said in a CNY News interview.

In addition to his work with opera companies, Ainsley is a pianist, administrator and speaker who has performed at the White House, Supreme Court, Smithsonian Museums, National Gallery, Kennedy Center Honors, and Wolf Trap National Park.

“Robert Ainsley is perfectly poised to lead the Glimmerglass Festival into its next era,” Robert Nelson, chair of the Glimmerglass Festival Board of Trustees, said in a statement. “Rob has a deep appreciation and understanding of Glimmerglass, and very much looks forward to becoming a part of the Cooperstown community.”

This summer season will feature six shows beginning with “The Magic Flute” opening July 15th and concluding with “The Passion of Mary Cardwell Dawson” which closes on August 13th. In between there will be “To the World,” “Songbird,” “IL Trovatore,” and “Gods and Mortals.”

Francesca Zambello, the outgoing director, joined Glimmerglass Festival in 2010.  Glimmerglass is a professional non-profit summer opera company located on the shore of Otsego Lake north of Cooperstown.

Road Trip: 14 Ways to Make Your Next Trip to Cooperstown Magical

Gallery Credit: Chuck D'Imperio

14 Spectacular Places to See A Concert in Upstate New York

These are some of the most glamourous and astoundingly beautiful theaters in all of Upstate New York. From the very modern (the Frank Gehry designed concert hall at Bard College) to the very, very old (several from 150+ years ago), this is a collection of great places to see a concert in Upstate New York. Note that this gallery includes the original "String of Pearls." These are gorgeous vaudeville and silent movie houses built in the early 1900s, and are still active today. They "string" along from Troy to Buffalo. Just awesome!

Gallery Credit: Chuck D'Imperio

Spring Has Sprung! The 11 New York State Festivals You Need To Visit

This list includes beer, wine, hot air balloon, family street fairs, chocolate, and flower festivals all coming up before Memorial Day.

Where To Find 10 Breathtaking Views of Upstate New York

Gallery Credit: Chuck D'Imperio

Wow! Look At This! "A Star is Born" 29 Celebs Who Were Born in Upstate New York

There is a whole lot of star power on display in this gallery. We feature 29 celebrities who were born in Upstate New York. Many of the names are instantly familiar, such as Lucille Ball and Kirk Douglas, but it is the lesser known stars that are the most fun.

You will recognize most of these people by their faces rather than by their names. Still, no matter how small the role they played in a film or TV show, these actors left an indelible mark wherever and when ever they appeared on screen.

I mean, seriously, who can ever forget Buffalo-born actor Sorrell Booke? Name ring a bell? No? How about his character "Boss Hogg" on the hit TV show "The Dukes of Hazzard?" Now I am sure you remember him!

This list totals 29 celebrities, but we have a feeling that we are missing some. So, if you know a TV or movie star that was born in New York outside of New York City, please let us know over on our Facebook page! We really do want to hear from you!

Gallery Credit: Chuck D'Imperio

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