ADK Talks Podcast Episode: High Notes in the High Peaks
Behind the Curtain at the Seagle Festival in Schroon Lake

What happens when world-class opera collides with the rugged beauty of the Adirondacks?
In this episode of ADK Talks, we pull back the curtain on the Seagle Festival—America’s oldest summer vocal training program, a cultural institution with a rich legacy, tucked away in the charming village of Schroon Lake, NY.

Seagle Festival historic campus.
Hosts Jane and Steve of ADKtaste.com sit down with Artistic Director Darren Woods, a visionary leader who has not only led but also transformed the Seagle Festival into a hub for boundary-pushing performances and emerging talent, inspiring a new generation of opera enthusiasts.
Also joining us is Kate Morton, an electrifying young Mezzo-Soprano, who recently earned her Master of Music in Vocal Arts from the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City. A former Seagle emerging artist, Kate’s extraordinary path to the stage is as dramatic and unexpected as the operas and musical works she performs.
🎶 In this episode, we discover:
How the Seagle Festival prepares the next generation of vocal talent
Why rural audiences are craving more bold, contemporary works
Kate Morton’s journey from small-town roots to center stage
What it takes to make it in the international opera world today
Whether you're a music lover, arts patron, or curious traveler planning your next visit to the North Country, this episode offers a front-row seat to one of the Adirondacks' best-kept cultural secrets.
Don’t miss the drama, the dedication, and the high notes.

Photos courtesy Seagle Festival.
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