Opera Saratoga Names Mary Birnbaum New General and Artistic Director

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Mary Birnbaum, a decorated opera director, takes the reins of Opera Saratoga ahead of the 2023 summer festival season, the organization announced. 

Birnbaum succeeds former General and Artistic Director Lawrence Edelson, whose 8-year-tenure concluded at the end of the 2022 season. Birnbaum is the tenth general director in Opera Saratoga’s history. 

Birnbaum is on faculty at The Juilliard School where she teaches and coaches acting for singers as the Dramatic Advisor to the Masters of Music and Graduate Diploma Program at the Marcus Institute for Vocal Arts. She was Juilliard’s inaugural directing fellow in Vocal Arts, and she will continue her role as a faculty member and Dramatic Advisor to graduate-level singers.

“I 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,” said Birnbaum, in a statement. “Part of the allure of working with Opera Saratoga was the richness of the artistic and intellectual community in the area and I can’t wait to find ways to partner with other local organizations.”

Opera Saratoga originated as Lake George Opera Festival with a production of Die Fledermaus at the Diamond Point Theatre on July 5, 1962. The company now calls Saratoga Springs home and performs for more than 25,000 people annually.

In her role as general and artistic director, Birnbaum will be responsible for producing the annual opera festival and overseeing Opera Saratoga staff in all elements of programming, community engagement, fundraising, and artist development; while also directing or working with guest directors, conductors, and designers. 

Her introduction to the Saratoga Springs public will take place at Opera Saratoga’s Annual Gala, on Thursday, June 8, at the Saratoga National Golf Club. More information can be found at www.operasaratoga.org/opera-gala-2023