Culture - Santa Fe Opera

With a festival-style season that runs throughout July and August in one of the most stunning settings in the world, The Santa Fe Opera (SFO) draws thousands of opera aficionados and novices to Santa Fe for an evening or two, or three, of spectacular performances.

The opera is the embodiment of the dream of John Crosby, a young conductor from New York who started the opera in 1957. Crosby had always been drawn to artistically oriented Santa Fe and had a grand vision of creating an opera company in the art-driven community. His goal was to allow American opera talents to perform and train in their own country instead of the opera houses of Europe. Crosby’s passion led the opera to a successful start, and within 10 years the company received international recognition.

When attending the opera today, it is hard to imagine its humble beginnings. In 1956 Tom Catron, a friend of Crosby, was asked to help form a board of directors — a key component to any opera company. The plan for the premiere season in 1957 was to produce seven operas, for which all rehearsals were taking place in New York City. No one in Santa Fe had heard a single note from this fledgling organization until a day in late May 1957 when Catron’s phone rang. On the other end was Crosby at a rehearsal in New York. He said “I think you would like to hear this,” set the phone down, and Catron heard the first act of Madame Butterfly. It was at that moment, according to Catron, who is still on the opera’s board, that he finally knew that they had an opera ... and it sounded good, even over the phone!

Fans touring opera grounds may come across a sculpture of legendary composer Igor Stravinsky — a symbol of the opera’s long history with musical icons. The opening season programming included the composer’s opera The Rake’s Progress and he oversaw the production of the work. That was the beginning of the composer’s love of Santa Fe and he returned many times in various capacities — conductor, stage director and overall opera promoter. SFO paid tribute to Stravinsky in 1962 with a season that featured six of his works, in honor of his 80th birthday.

Another contribution the company makes to the opera world is its internationally recognized apprentice program. Aspiring sopranos, baritones and other vocalists have the opportunity to work with leading opera stars and conductors, and even perform for representatives of the country’s leading companies. The program has a history of launching careers, many of which result in the return of a former apprentice to Santa Fe in a production’s leading role.

With the beautiful backdrop of the Jémez Mountains and the Sangre de Cristos, SFO’s main performance space, the Crosby Theater, is an architectural gem. The audience has views that stretch for miles, thanks to the theater’s open-air design. The current Crosby Theater showcased its first season in 1998 after renovations in 1997 and early 1998. Acoustically pristine, the contemporary theater has won awards for design and, although it stands out, is strikingly suggestive of its natural surroundings. If you are unable to catch a performance during your stay in Santa Fe, take a tour of the opera grounds and backstage.

Opera fans realize they are in notoriously relaxed Santa Fe when they arrive at the opera parking lot and are surrounded by tailgaters! Pre-opera tailgate parties are a Santa Fe way to enjoy the beautiful setting and beat the traffic. Dress codes are unimportant here, and visitors will see anything from black tie to Birkenstock sandals. This atmosphere appeals not only to the audience, but also to the world’s greatest opera stars. SFO attracts the finest musicians (on and off-stage), directors, set producers and crew members to produce a summer season of acclaimed performances. From opera’s big names, such as Dawn Upshaw and Thomas Hampson, to the rising stars of tomorrow, Santa Fe gets to hear them all as they perform with the opera.

For music lovers who visit Santa Fe in the summer, The Santa Fe Opera should be at the top of the to-do list. The entire experience is unparalleled, from the parking lot to the orchestra pit. No other opera house in the world can boast such a combination of artistic excellence and magnificent surroundings. Whether you are a seasoned attendee or it’s your first opera, this Santa Fe landmark promises to provide the ultimate Santa Fe experience from the first note to final bow.

2006 SEASON OVERVIEW

Contact Information: www.santafeopera.org
Tickets: (800) 280-4654 or (505) 986-5900

Bizet’s Carmen - June 30, July 5, 14; August 1, 7, 14, 19, 23, 26

Mozart’s The Magic Flute - July 1, 7, 12, 21, 31; August 5, 8, 15, 22, 25

Massenet’s Cinderella - July 15, 19, 28; August 3, 9, 18, 21, 24

Strauss’ Salome - July 22, 26; August 4, 10, 16

Adès’ The Tempest (American premiere) - July 29; August 2, 11, 17