An internationally recognized director of opera and theater, Francesca Zambello's American debut took place at the Houston Grand Opera with a production of "Fidelio" in 1984. She began her career as an assistant director to Jean-Pierre Ponnelle. From 1984 until 1991 she was the Artistic Director of the Skylight Music Theater with Stephen Wadsworth. She debuted in Europe at Teatro La Fenice in Venice with "Beatrice di Tenda" in 1987 and has since staged new productions at major theaters, festivals and opera houses around the world. Also, she served as Artistic Advisor to the San Francisco Opera from 2006-2011. Currently, she is the Artistic and General Director of The Glimmerglass Festival in Cooperstown, and the Artistic Director of Washington National Opera.