American bass Kevin Burdette has been named Artist-in-Residence at the 2026 Glimmerglass Festival.

Known for his comic brilliance, commanding voice, and captivating stage presence, Burdette will appear as Don Alfonso in the Festival’s new production of “Così fan tutte.” He will also work closely with members of the Festival’s Resident Artists Program.

In a statement, Glimmerglass Festival Artistic & General Director Rob Ainsley said, “We are honored to welcome Kevin Burdette as our 2026 Artist-in-Residence. His reputation as one of the field’s most beloved colleagues and his peerless artistry — rich in humor, heart, and humanity — embody everything Glimmerglass stands for: excellence, community, and connection. Audiences are in for an unforgettable Così and a vibrant season full of music and storytelling.”

Burdette added, “I am deeply moved to have been asked to serve as the 2026 Artist-in-Residence at The Glimmerglass Festival, an opera company that shaped who I am as an artist and as a person. I can think of no more meaningful way to return to this world-class company — this innovative company, this company that is deeply part of who I am — than in the capacity of working with the inspiring and top-tier Resident Artists. I look forward to investing in these talented artists, the future of our art form, helping to guide them, just as Glimmerglass guided me decades ago, to become the genesis of the stories they will tell throughout their careers — stories that will resonate with audiences, as they recognize their own uniqueness and commonalities taking shape on stage.”

The bass has performed at the Teatro alla Scala, the Metropolitan Opera, the Gran Teatre del Liceu, Santa Fe Opera, Teatro Colón, Opéra de Montréal, Washington National Opera, Dallas Opera, Seattle Opera, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Philharmonia Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, and National Symphony Orchestra.

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