Just a hop, skip and a jump from New York City is a State Park larger than Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Glacier and the Great Smokies National Parks combined, called the Adirondack Park (the Adirondacks or ADKs). The word Adirondack was a name given by the Mohawk tribe meaning “barkeaters.” The Adirondacks is the largest National Historic Landmark and covers over 6 million acres. The Park is always open, and there's no admission fee.
For generations the Adirondacks has been a source of inspiration. A playground for the adventurous, a source for wellness and healing, a stadium for world competition, a battleground, a canvas to painters, photographers, visitors and artists alike; and to the ever many, a muse. From Albert Einstein, to the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts, to Presidents’ Roosevelt and Coolidge, historically there has been a tradition of inspired minds choosing to spend their time in the mountains and waters of upstate New York. The fresh air, mountains, and miles of trails, water, and winding roads beckon you to experience what the Park means to you.
Into the Woods
One of the longest-standing of these sources of inspiration and tradition comes in the form of song from Seagle Festival. Conveniently located in the South-East side of the Park in the town of Schroon Lake, Seagle has been drawing in talented up-and-coming singers summer after summer. This season the Seagle Festival is celebrating 100 years as the oldest summer vocal training program in the United States, and as a premier opera and musical theatre producing organization.
For a town of less than 2,000 residents it’s unique to say that every summer opera singers from across the country and around the globe contend for a spot among the elite thirty-two who are selected to train, practice, learn, and perform at this prestigious music school. The Colony was founded by Oscar Seagle, a world-renowned baritone. Quickly nicknamed “Olowan,” an Indian name for “Hill of Song,” Mr. Seagle’s reputation made the Colony a magnet for aspiring singers.
For the 2015, Centennial Season
The Seagle Music Colony offers an impressive performance schedule for visitors to enjoy this “Hill of Song” in action all summer long. For the 2015 Centennial Season the audience has the chance to enjoy the timeless classics: Falstaff by Verdi on stage July 1-5, and The Barber of Seville by Rossini from July 15-18, both performed in Italian with projected subtitles in English; Into the Woods[/i] by Sondheim, the fairy-tale classic which hit the big screens in 2014, comes into the mountains from July 29 - August 1; and the season is rounded out from August 12-16 with the highly anticipated and unforgettable, Les Misérables[/i] by Schönberg & Boublil.
Children have the opportunity to laugh, as well as learn, as the Colony presents the children’s opera The Ugly Duckling. This delightful adaption of Hans Christian Anderson’s classic fairy-tale explores and teaches young viewers the important life lesson and message of acceptance. (Sung in English with relatable characters).
Find your muse and indulge in what inspires you!
Considered the gateway to the Adirondacks, Schroon Lake makes a great basecamp to experience and explore all the Park has to offer. Plan a trip to Schroon Lake this summer and see what all the fuss is about. Let the Schroon Lake website help you find what you are looking for.
- Find lodging
- Hire a guide
- Reserve tickets to a show at the Seagle Music Colony
- Check out a class of your own at the VIC Center on the Events page
- Explore what to do
Feeling inspired?
Learn about Teddy Roosevelt’s ride in Spencer's Blog, learn more about the Seagle Music Colony in Sue’s blog, and read about the painter Winslow Homer.
