Founded in 1957 by John Crosby, the Santa Fe Opera has since presented an opera festival season each summer. This opera institution is known for introducing new operas and their apprentice program for fledging opera singers and theatre technicians. The Santa Fe Opera has performed 43 American premieres and 14 world premieres, but also stages standard operatic repertoires too.
Located 7 miles outside of the city of Santa Fe, the season usually begins early July and runs to the third week of August. The opera house also host concerts that range from Blues legend Taj Mahal to Mariachis.
But the crème de la crème is the opera house itself. Designed as an open theatre, patrons have access to the opera performance, evening stars, stunning sunsets, and distant thunderstorms. There are also electronic screens in front of each patron’s seat that provides translation of sung text in Spanish, English or four other language options.
Pre-opera tailgating is extremely popular and a unique experience. A few patrons go “all out” with gourmet meals, buckets of chilled champagne, and portable tables with table cloths, flowers and candles. Most people though just bring some picnic-style food and enjoy the beautiful scenery with wine or beer while sitting in lawn chairs.
Attire is “typical” Santa Fe style that ranges from dressy cocktail attire to blue jeans and boots. Just remember to bring a wrap, sweater, or jacket; it can get cool when the sun sets. So grab your turquoise necklace and enjoy the world renowned outdoor opera theatre with the beautiful Santa Fe landscape.
- The Santa Fe Opera offers sampler and full dinner tailgating box meals to be picked up when you arrive.
- Check with your hotel dining, because many luxury hotels offer opera picnic-box dinners for tailgating.
- Plan ahead, don’t expect the box-office to have tickets available for the exact date, time, and performance you desire. There are usually five different operas rotating performances during the summer season.
