• 10.27.25
• Member News

Seagle Festival General Director Tony Kostecki Named a City & State NY 'Trailblazer in Arts & Culture' Honoree

Seagle Festival is thrilled to announce that General Director Tony Kostecki has been recognized as a Trailblazer in Arts & Culture honoree by City & State NY magazine. The prestigious award honors visionary leaders who drive critical work and improve the lives of New Yorkers through the state's vibrant arts and culture sector. Mr. Kostecki and his fellow honorees will be celebrated at an awards ceremony in Manhattan, highlighting his decades-long dedication to the arts and education. Tony Kostecki has been a central figure in New York's North Country arts community for decades, most notably through his leadership of Seagle Festival, the oldest opera training program in the United States, founded in 1915. Since being appointed General Director in January 2008, his tenure has been marked by a period of dramatic expansion for the Adirondack institution. Under his direction, the Festival has grown from a summer-only performance and training festival to a stalwart year-round presence in the local and regional arts scene. This expansion has cemented its reputation as a premier institution, recognized as the "Best Summer Vocal Training Program in the United States." 

“Tony Kostecki’s passion for Seagle Festival is evident in everything he does,” said Robin Kulwin, Seagle Festival Board President. “This honor from City & State NY is a well-deserved tribute to his visionary leadership. He hasn't just preserved Seagle’s incredible 100-plus year history; he has ensured it is thriving, dynamic, and continuously raising the bar for the arts right here in the Adirondacks.” 

Mr. Kostecki’s influence on New York’s cultural ecosystem is significant on both a regional and statewide level. He served for several years as President of the Essex County Arts Council (ECAC), demonstrating a strong commitment to supporting local arts and cultural programs across the Adirondack region. Furthermore, his expertise has been valued statewide through his service on the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) Music Panel, where he helped evaluate and recommend funding for music organizations across the entire state. These leadership experiences instilled a deep understanding of statewide arts policy and catalyzed the collaborative growth that has marked his tenure at Seagle Festival. 

Tony Kostecki’s journey to leading one of the country's most respected training programs is rooted in a deep background as both a professional musician and an administrator. A native of Topeka, Kansas, Mr. Kostecki began his association with Seagle Festival in 1996, first serving for ten years on the faculty as a pianist/coach and conductor before moving into his executive role. Prior to his full-time commitment to Seagle, Kostecki held key administrative positions at major opera companies, building his expertise in arts education and outreach. From 2002 to 2007, he served as Director of Education and Director of the Fort Worth Opera Studio, where he was instrumental in creating the renowned Young Artists Program. His performance resume is equally robust, including work as a pianist/coach for companies like Florida Grand Opera, Shreveport Opera, Utah Opera, and others. Mr. Kostecki holds a BA in Music from Benedictine College and an MM Degree in Piano Accompanying and Organ Performance from the University of Kansas. “I am truly humbled to be named a Trailblazer in Arts & Culture honoree,” said Tony Kostecki. “This award speaks to the strength of the entire Seagle community—our students, faculty, staff, and donors who believe fiercely in our mission. We remain committed to fostering the next generation of great singing actors and enriching New York’s incredible cultural fabric from our home in the Adirondacks.” The entire Seagle Festival family congratulates Tony Kostecki on this outstanding and highly-deserved recognition.