Yale Alumni College invites you to experience the magical alchemy of great opera this August.

Our four-day summer excursion to the Glimmerglass Festival in Cooperstown, New York will feature lesser-known gems as well as classic productions. We’ll be immersed in main stage productions of Gilbert and Sullivan’s classic comic opera, The Pirates of Penzance; the dramatic and imaginative 2017 opera Elizabeth Cree inspired by the Victorian London of Jack the Ripper; the Italian baroque work, La Calisto, and the tragic classic that first introduced audiences to murderous clowns, Pagliacci.

Our faculty leader, Yale Senior Lecturer Dan Egan, will be joined by special guest speakers, including general and Artistic director Robert Ainsley, who will provide insightful perspectives on the productions. Enjoy the open-air design and state-of-the-art acoustics of the lakeside theater which allows for a crystal clear, unamplified musical experience – opera as it was meant to be experienced.

Come for the opera, but also enjoy the treasures that the classic American town of Cooperstown has to offer. Home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, many museums, and crystal clear lakes, the town provides a rich backdrop for cultural immersion. Discover exclusive collections through a curator-led tour of the Fenimore Art Gallery, and tailor your experience with optional activities such as a serene boat tour of Otsego Lake or an exploration of the legendary Baseball Hall of Fame.

Our accommodation options include the Otesaga Resort Hotel, overlooking Lake Otsego. The picturesque views and comfort-centric amenities of this grand hotel in the tradition of the golden age of travel leave nothing to be desired. Alternatively, you may choose to stay at the Railroad Inn with spacious contemporary guest rooms adorned with historic railroad-themed decor, presenting a modern and stylish accommodation choice. Both hotels are designed to make your experience truly enjoyable, offering distinct features to suit different tastes. We’ll waive adieu and take our closing bows around the fire-table at the Otesaga resort, followed by a festive farewell dinner.