CLARKS SUMMIT — Anne Armazzani, event director and secretary of the board of directors for The Gathering Place, has announced this will be the third year The Gathering Place will work with Clarks Summit resident Jean Stark on two bus trips to Glimmerglass Opera in Cooperstown, New York.
“Jean is on the board of directors of Glimmerglass Opera and is a fan of opera around the world. So, she wants to promote opera in our area. Jean provides the buses and the lunch at Glimmerglass so travelers get to enjoy two operas each summer,” Armazzani explained.
This summer, area residents will be treated to l”a Traviata” by Guiseppe Verde on Aug. 13 and “Showboat” by Jerome Kern and Oscar and Hammerstein on Aug.20.
Before the first trip, there will be a class on opera at The Gathering Place featuring Abigail Zieger, a local vocal artist who uses her talents to help participants to understand and appreciate the opera better.
“I’m not a career opera singer,” said Zieger. “But, I have training in classical music and some specifically in opera.”
When asked what she will do at The Gathering Place on July 30 at 6 p.m. she said, “So, at The Gathering Place I’m going to give a basic introduction to opera for people who are curious about it or don’t know about it. We’ll just be talking about the different parts that go into an opera production.”
Zieger also said she’d talk a bit about how the singers sing like they do, and also about what goes on behind the scenes. Another important part of the evening will be her giving an introduction to “la Triaviata” and talking about the story and the characters and maybe some of what they sing.
Armezzani said it is important for people going to the opera understand the story line. The Gathering Place is bringing Zieger to explain the different parts of opera that a lot of people don’t know.
“The more traditional operas need more of an explanation,” Armezzani said. “The more Broadway show types don’t really need the explanation.”
The buses leave early in the morning from Stark’s home in Clarks Summit, and make the two-hour drive to Glimmerglass, a beautiful opera house outside Cooperstown. Those on the bus trip will be greeted by Sean Sansevere, who details the schedule for the day and gives a tour of the grounds.
After the tour, participants will be treated to lunch and get to meet and ask questions of Francesca Zambello, the director of the opera.
“It’s all a credit to Jean,” said Armezzani. “The tickets alone would usually cost $125, so we get a reduced ticket, front and center seats, the tour and the pre-play presentation, the buses and the luncheon for $95. Travelers may ‘round up’ their tickets to $100 which would include a $5 donation to The Gathering Place.
When asked why she runs these trips at such a discounted rate, Stark explained, “I thought why not bring these people up there to Glimmerglass” It helps people get used to seeing opera. I want them to enjoy opera and not have to spend an arm and a leg.”
The bus trip is open to all in our area. Armezzani said the buses usually fill fast, so it is recommended anyone wishing to go to the opera to call for tickets. To book the play and bus, email ssansevere@glimmerglass.org or call him at 607-547-2255.
For more information about the trip, contact Armezzani at 570-881-7612.
