The Santa Fe Opera, founded in 1957, is celebrated globally for its breathtaking open-air theater which provides a stunning setting for bold, world-class opera productions. Throughout its history, The Santa Fe Opera has presented 45 American and 19 World Premieres. 2026 marks the company’s 69th Festival Season, presenting Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, Mozart’s The Magic Flute, Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin, Handel’s Rodelinda and the American Premiere of Tobias Picker’s Lili Elbe.
The Santa Fe Opera’s mission is to advance the operatic art form by presenting ensemble performances of the highest quality in a unique setting with a varied repertoire of new, rarely performed, and standard works; to ensure the excellence of opera’s future through Apprentice programs for singers, technicians and arts administrators; and to foster an understanding and appreciation of opera among a diverse public.
More About The Santa Fe Opera
The Santa Fe Opera has presented over 2,000 performances of 180 operas by 92 composers spanning five centuries of opera, and created a legacy of commitment to new works, serving more than 68,000 patrons every season. The Apprentice Program for Singers, also founded in 1957, the first of its kind in the United States, has trained over 1,500 singers, many of whom have gone on to international careers. The Apprentice Program for Theater Technicians has served over 4,100 technicians since 1965, providing training in Stage Operations, Properties, Audio/Video, Costumes, Production/Music Services, Wigs and Makeup, Electrics and Scenic Art. The Company serves 25,000+ children and adults annually through education programs that provide free or low-cost access to opera, including the Pueblo Opera Program, Youth Nights and Family Nights.
How You Can Help
Volunteers are a treasured resource for them and their commitment to the Company powers backstage tours and other events. There are many ways to volunteer during the summer or year-round. Contact Volunteer Liaison Marissa Aurora for more information: 505-946-2407, maurora@santafeopera.org.
By making a gift to the Annual Fund, you help the Santa Fe Opera stay true to its mission of presenting world-class opera, fostering new works, training young singers and technicians and developing future audiences. Consider maximizing your individual contribution through your employer’s Matching Gift Program.
To donate, visit https://www.santafeopera.org/donations/donate-now/.
Story and Photography by The Santa Fe Opera
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