Santa Fe Opera Information

The Santa Fe Opera is located seven miles north of Santa Fe, New Mexico. The former guest ranch features 199 acres of space for not only the opera company but also for offices, rehearsal space, and housing.

It was founded in 1956 by John Crosby, a New York-based conductor with the intention of giving American singers a chance to learn and perform new roles while also being able to rehearse. John Crosby was the general director of the Santa Fe Opera until late 2001, marking the longest tenure in such a position in opera history. Richard Gaddes took over after John Crosby, and that same year Alan Gilbert was named the first Santa Fe Opera music director.

In the 1950s, the Apprentice Program was established in hopes of assisting young singers in the transition from academic to professional life, with over 1,500 participants since the beginning of the program. In 1965, the Apprentice Program for Technicians was also added. The Apprentice Program for Technicians has seen 1,000 young singers and 600 technicians apply. Singers in the programs act as the chorus for each opera, and fill some of the smaller parts. They also perform backstage duties, scenery making, and the technical aspects of the shows.

So far, the Santa Fe Opera has seen three theaters. From 1957 until 1967, the Santa Fe Opera featured an open-air theater. It sat 480 audience members, and the Santa Fe Opera's very first performance was the sold out Madame Butterfly on July 3, 1957. A mezzanine was later added, but a fire destroyed the theater and the company ended up moving to a high school for the rest of the season.

A second open-air theater was built in 1968 this time with seating for 1,889 people. The current theater was built in 1998 and named "The Crosby Theater" following founder John Crosby's death in 2002. The newest theater suffers from fewer storm-related issues and now seats over 2,000 people. In 2001, the Stiernan Orchestra Hall was added to fill the need for a rehearsal hall; it is used for lectures, recitals, and social events.

This summer the Santa Fe Opera celebrates 50 years. Performances at Santa Fe Opera house begin close to sunset, and allow opera-goers an opportunity to experience the New Mexico sunset as well as tailgate dining.

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