Opera, by George!(Lake George Opera celebrates fortieth summer season)(Brief Article)

The Lake George Opera Festival, which rings in its fortieth summer season in 2001, began life in 1962 at Diamond Point, a popular vacation spot on picturesque Lake George in upstate New York. Under the guidance of Fred Patrick, a local businessman and husband of Metropolitan Opera soprano Jeanette Scovotti, a successful season of opera was presented in modest circumstances. Shortly thereafter, the company moved to nearby Queensbury, where it thrived for many years under the leadership of general director David Lloyd, who took the helm after Patrick's death. Lloyd was largely responsible for putting Lake George Opera on the map. Among other things, he instituted the company's popular apprentice program, long considered one of the premier training grounds for young singers in the U. S. Many well-known performers have cut their teeth at Lake George Opera, either as apprentices or in their first leading roles. Famous alums include Catherine Malfitano, Diana Soviero, Eric Halfvarson and Jerry Hadley, who last year returned to participate in a benefit for the company.

In 1998, Lake George Opera took up residence in its current home, the Saratoga Performing Arts Center's Little Theatre, which seats 500. According to general director William Florescu, the intimacy of the house, with its excellent acoustics, has, to a certain extent, dictated the repertoire. Rather than boil down grand opera, Lake George Opera produces works appropriate for the forces involved, though this strategy does not preclude the occasional foray into the "big stuff." Last season, the company presented Madama Butterfly in the 5,500-seat Saratoga Performing Arts Center Amphitheatre, once a favorite summer venue for New York City Opera. The success of Butterfly in 2000 left the door open for future Lake George Opera appearances at the SPAC Amphitheatre, although these are unlikely to become annual events.

This year LGO presents H.M.S. Pinafore, Il Re ...