Culture - Music; Perfect Harmony

No matter what entices you to New Mexico, the impressive and varied musical line-up might be the hook that keeps you coming back.

With its breathtaking vistas and superb productions, the Santa Fe Opera is one of the state’s most prominent institutions. Currently celebrating its 50th anniversary, this legend is one of the best places to enjoy an aria by the greatest stars of the opera world. To celebrate the anniversary, the opera’s summer season includes classics like Mozart’s The Magic Flute and Bizet’s Carmen alongside new operatic offerings.

The Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival, in its 34th season, unites world-class artists in ensembles of one to 20 musicians. The repertoire spans centuries, from Mozart’s and Haydn’s most intimate works to new pieces by innovative composers. The 2006 season runs July 16-August 22 with concerts at the Lensic Theater and St. Francis Auditorium.

Santa Fe offers many other musical outlets, including the Santa Fe Symphony and Chorus, which presents orchestral and choral pieces October-May. Santa Fe ProMusica brings more music to town October-April and features some of the best rising talent as well as orchestral Baroque masterpieces. In addition, The Santa Fe Desert Chorale performs periodically and is consistently hailed for its exceptional quality.

Northern New Mexico’s chamber music appetite is satisfied by Music from Angel Fire, a series of 15 concerts in Las Vegas and the stunning mountain towns of Angel Fire, Taos and Raton. Programs in August and September vary from salon-style evenings to youth and community events.

Albuquerque’s New Mexico Symphony Orchestra’s season, October-May, has an abundance of symphonic masterpieces performed under the direction of Guillermo Figueroa. Springtime Symphony under the Stars concerts at the Rio Grande Zoo are a family favorite.

For jazz enthusiasts, Albuquerque’s Outpost Performance Space is a landing spot for some of jazz’s big names. Saturday evenings in June and July bring Jazz Under the Stars, presented by the New Mexico Jazz Workshop, set in the outdoor amphitheater at the Albuquerque Museum.

The Hispanic culture shines through the colorful dance music of mariachi. Dating back hundreds of years, this music brings together ensembles of violins, trumpets and guitars. Don’t miss the invigorating beats at the International Mariachi Conference held in November in Las Cruces. This four-day festival includes lessons, demonstrations and a performance that coincides with the Allstate Parque Festival, a two-day mariachi showcase.

Flamenco is another traditional musical form that combines dance and intense rhythmic music. Maria Benitez’ Teatro Flamenco gives its Santa Fe audiences a taste of Spanish flair and passion. Albuquerque’s National Institute of Flamenco hosts performances during its annual festival and at the National Hispanic Cultural Center. The Taos Inn features local flamenco entertainment in its Adobe Bar. Experience the singers, dancers and live musicians that make this Spanish tradition muy caliente!

Throughout the state, don’t miss the chance to join the celebrations at pueblo feast days. Many ceremonies feature drummers keeping a primal beat for the dancers and a men’s chorus singing powerful, ancient songs. Some dancers keep the beat with gourd or turtle-shell rattles that add to the musical mix. The music and the spiritual meaning behind these feast days infuse attendees with the culture of the pueblos.

Whatever you select from the musical menu, the melodies of the Land of Enchantment will pull you back for a return visit.