Since 1957, opera lovers from around the world have visited Santa Fe with one intention above any other – to sit in an open theater with breathtaking views of the Jemez Mountains to the west and the Sangre de Cristos to the east, listening to talented singers and reaping the benefits brought on by brilliant conductors, directors and designers. Being one of America’s premier summer opera festivals, The Santa Fe Opera balances talent, art and landscape.
“Its location is unique,” General Director Richard Gaddes says, adding that the city itself is as wonderful as the opera. “People come early just to see the sun set at the back of the stage. I don’t think that happens anywhere in the world. It’s a bonus in itself. Santa Fe is rich in culture, contains wonderful architecture, art galleries, a marvelous chamber music festival, the opera, of course, and a wonderful climate. It is one of the great cities in America.”
The Santa Fe Opera was founded by the late John Crosby, an inspiring conductor from New York. John wanted to give singers time to prepare their roles, engage the best directors and conductors for lengthy rehearsal periods before the first performances and provide a special program for singers transitioning from academic to professional life. After purchasing an old ranch seven miles north of Santa Fe, John conducted the very first performance – Puccini’s Madame Butterfly – with a company of 67. Now, The Santa Fe Opera is home to the Apprentice Program for Singers and provides a summer-long home to singers, directors and conductors.
In 2000, Richard was appointed general director, and has since implemented community-based productions and offers education and community outreach programs to make opera accessible and appealing to a broad spectrum of the New Mexico population.
“We feel part of our mission is to bring opera to the schools and community,” Richard says. “It has helped us increase the number of ticket buyers throughout the state of New Mexico, increasing the artistic diversity throughout our state.”
Even with a strong community focus, beautiful surroundings and a promising future, it is not easy to forget the talent that provides an incredible opera season. This year’s season will open with Puccini’s La bohème on June 29, followed by Mozart’s Così fan tutte on June 30. Richard Strauss’ Daphne, Tan Dun’s Tea: A Mirror of Soul and Rameau’s Platée will complete the season.
“This season is a very hard one to pick a favorite,” Richard says, commenting on each of the productions. “The Tea will be wonderful, and will be sold out. The Platée will offer wonderful music, is hilariously funny and not to be missed.”
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