Meet Francesca Zambello

“Francesca Zambello is one of the smartest, most innovative directors. She has truly made Glimmerglass world class! It’s a really special place to cultivate and make beautiful art.”

“Francesca is the proverbial force of nature. She and Glimmerglass together are like an alchemical potion!”

“Francesca’s work at Glimmerglass has catapulted so many careers. Her endless support and belief in young, emerging artists has truly shaped the industry.”

“Wherever Francesca goes, she not only creates an environment of excellence but people are happy to work for her and with her.”

“I have known Francesca since the beginning of my career and have had the opportunity to work with her many times – 13 to be exact! We have all become accustomed to the powerful visual and theatrical experience that Francesca offers in her productions, but I would like to share one of the most impactful experiences, which happened in our very first production together: the world premiere of Tobias Picker’s EMMELINE in Santa Fe. I will never forget how Francesca focused her questions to me about my character during one of Emmeline’s scenes. Her navigation of direction taught me the foundation of how to build a character with specificity and authenticity – a skill that informs my work to this day.”

“I love Glimmerglass! I am forever grateful as it was the guiding force to my career in opera. Thank you Francesca for giving me the opportunity to live out my passion in the arts.”

“Whenever I work with a director, I tend to come in with a fully formed idea about a character or the piece itself. As an actress, I want to be challenged to rethink my ideas and be offered a new perspective to hone in and better my character arc. Francesca does just that by listening attentively and creating the most productive collaboration possible. She always considers the artist in front of her and pushes them to do more, become more, and risk more. Francesca always brings out the best of who we are and what we can be.”