Just one hour northeast of Diamond Tail is the world-renowned Santa Fe Opera. This opera company is highly regarded in the world of opera for several reasons, including its high-quality productions, innovative programming, unique setting and special architecture of the Crosby Theatre. This article will share key aspects of the Santa Fe Opera along with the 2024 schedule.
Artistic Excellence
The Santa Fe Opera is known for its commitment to artistic excellence, often featuring world-renowned singers, conductors, and directors. The company presents a mix of traditional repertoire and contemporary works, frequently commissioning and premiering new operas.
World Premieres: The Santa Fe Opera has a strong tradition of commissioning new works and staging world premieres. Notable examples include "The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs" by Mason Bates and "Cold Mountain" by Jennifer Higdon.
Acclaimed Productions: The quality of the productions is consistently high, with meticulous attention to staging, costumes, and set design. The open-air Crosby Theatre provides a unique and memorable backdrop that enhances the visual impact of the performances.
Innovative Programs
The opera is known for its adventurous programming, which includes both classic operas and contemporary works. This approach attracts a diverse audience and keeps the repertoire fresh and exciting.
Diverse Repertoire: The Santa Fe Opera balances well-loved classics like Verdi’s "La Traviata" and Mozart’s "Don Giovanni" with new and innovative works such as Gregory Spears’ "The Righteous".
Educational Programs: The company offers extensive educational programs and community outreach initiatives. These programs aim to cultivate a new generation of opera lovers and support the development of young artists.
Unique Setting
The opera's location in the high desert of New Mexico provides a stunning natural setting that is integral to its identity. The open-air Crosby Theatre allows audiences to enjoy operas with the backdrop of spectacular sunsets and starry skies.
Scenic Beauty: The combination of world-class opera and breathtaking scenery creates a unique and unforgettable experience for attendees
Cultural Integration: The opera's setting in Santa Fe, a city known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant arts scene, enhances its appeal and offers visitors a broad cultural experience beyond the opera itself.
Critical Acclaim
The Santa Fe Opera receives consistently positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. Its productions are often highlighted for their innovation, high production values, and the quality of performances.
Critical Reviews: Productions at the Santa Fe Opera frequently garner praise from major publications and critics. For example, its staging of Richard Strauss' "Der Rosenkavalier" was noted for its visual impact and artistic excellence.
Industry Recognition: The opera has earned numerous awards and accolades over the years, solidifying its position as one of the leading opera companies in the United States and the world.
Architecture
The Santa Fe Opera's Crosby Theatre is an architectural marvel designed to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings. Here are some key features:
Open-Air Design: The theatre is open on three sides, allowing the audience to enjoy breathtaking views of the Sangre de Cristo and Jemez Mountains. This open-air design enhances the opera experience by integrating the performances with the natural environment (SantaFe.com) (Santa Fe Opera Guild).
Canopy Roof: The theatre features a distinctive, sweeping roof designed by American architect James Stewart Polshek. The roof provides protection from the elements while maintaining an open, airy feel that is unique among opera houses.
Acoustics and Seating: Despite its open sides, the theatre boasts excellent acoustics. The design ensures that sound travels well, making the opera experience immersive. The seating arrangement offers clear views of the stage from all angles, accommodating approximately 2,126 spectators.
Integration with Landscape: The architecture emphasizes harmony with the landscape. The use of local materials and the unobtrusive design make the theatre appear as a natural extension of the surrounding scenery.
2024 Season
The Santa Fe Opera's 2024 season is set to be an exciting mix of classic and contemporary works, showcasing a diverse range of operatic talent and productions.
La Traviata: Conducted by Corrado Rovaris and directed by Louisa Muller, this production of Verdi's beloved opera will feature soprano Mané Galoyan, tenor Bekhzod Davronov, and baritone Carlos Arámbula. Performances are scheduled from June 28 to August 24, 2024.
Don Giovanni: Mozart's iconic opera will be conducted by Harry Bicket and directed by Stephen Barlow. The cast includes Ryan Speedo Green as Don Giovanni, Teresa Perrotta as Donna Anna, and Rachael Wilson as Donna Elvira. Performances will run from June 29 to August 23, 2024.
The Righteous: This world premiere by composer Gregory Spears and librettist Tracy K. Smith, set during the Iranian hostage crisis and early Gulf War, explores themes of faith and politics. The production is directed by Kevin Newbury with conductor Jordan de Souza making his company debut. The cast features Michael Mayes, Greer Grimsley, and Jennifer Johnson Cano. Performances will be on July 13, 17, 26, 30, and August 7 and 13, 2024.
Der Rosenkavalier: Richard Strauss’ romantic comedy, directed by Bruno Ravella, will transport audiences to 1950s Vienna. Conducted by Karina Canellakis, the cast includes Rachel Willis-Sørensen, Matthew Rose, Paula Murrihy, and Ying Fang. Performances are on July 20, 24, and August 2, 8, and 15, 2024.
The Elixir of Love: Donizetti’s charming opera will be revived in a production directed by Stephen Lawless, set in post-World War II Italy. Roberto Kalb will conduct, featuring Yaritza Véliz as Adina and Jonah Hoskins as Nemorino. Performances are scheduled for July 27, 31, and August 9, 14, and 22, 2024.
In summary, the Santa Fe Opera is celebrated for its artistic excellence, innovative programming, unique setting, and significant contributions to the world of opera. It continues to be a major cultural institution, drawing audiences from around the globe to its spectacular performances in the heart of New Mexico.
Discover Diamond Tail, an exclusive, low-density, master-planned community in Placitas, New Mexico.
Nestled in the foothills between Santa Fe and Albuquerque, New Mexico, Diamond Tail offers unspoiled beauty in a rugged, natural setting. We have 196 large estate home sites on 900 acres, with almost 40% dedicated to open space. These 1 to 5-acre lots have gorgeous views of the Sandia, Sangre de Cristo, Ortiz, and Jemez Mountain ranges, with some offering spectacular evening views of the lights of Santa Fe.
Diamond Tail offers reliable wireless internet, underground utilities, paved roads, private hiking trails, parks and stunning vistas. Star Park provides low-voltage power for telescopes so residents can take in the stunning starry sky.
Diamond Tail – A Luxury Private Gated Community. A DESTINATION FOR LIFE.
For more information and to schedule your private tour, call (505) 492-2015 or email us at info@diamondtail.com today!
Comments