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Cherry Valley is "a farmer/artsy town," according to Karen Walker, parish life coordinator at St. Thomas the Apostle parish there.

That said, it makes sense for St. Thomas' to rent out its parish hall each summer as a rehearsal space for the artists involved in the Glimmerglass Festival, which celebrates classical opera at the Alice Busch Opera Theater in Otsego Lake.

St. Thomas the Apostle has been used by the festival singers for more than a decade. Every summer, between the end of May and the end of August, members of the opera descend on Cooperstown and the surrounding areas, including Cherry Valley.

The festival, which is now in its 40th year, features four operas, plus several talks and presentations - including one this season by special guest Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on "law in the arts." The musicians and vocalists practice for performances in several area churches because of the privacy they offer and the churches' acoustics.

"It's really exciting to go over and listen," said Mrs. Walker. "They bring in their own piano, have it tuned. Sometimes [the artist is] a pianist; sometimes it's one of the young artists. It's usually only two or three people at the most."

Michael Heaston, associate artistic director for Glimmerglass, said St. Thomas' "is principally used by our renowned Young Artists Program. Our opera singers and pianists do one-on-one and small-group coaching in the space."

The Young Artists Program is an apprentice program for young professionals who are at the beginning of their careers. The program is focused on educating through performance.

"The leadership of the church is quite welcoming, friendly and accommodating," noted Chris Powell, director of administration for Glimmerglass.

This year's festival kicks off July 10 with an opening-night dinner and "The Magic Flute;" later on the schedule are "Macbeth," "Cato in Utica" and "Candide." There will also be concerts, talks and master classes.

Cherry Valley residents might pop up at Glimmerglass: "They always employ locals in their shows as extras and whatever," said Mrs. Walker. "There's usually one or two kids and a couple of adults. That's always nice, too."

"We always feel very welcomed by the parishioners and are extremely grateful that this relationship has continued for so long," Mr. Heaston told The Evangelist.[[In-content Ad]]

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