It’s part destination, part immersive experience, and part event. The Santa Fe Opera, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is back with the 2022 Season promising something for long-time opera fans as well as those who are just curious about the adventure of it all. Whether attending for the performances, to be under the swoop of the commanding theater, or to see how nature will make its way into the show, you’re in for a treat.

Save this article about Santa Fe Opera to help you plan your visit there. Photos courtesy Santa Fe Opera. Graphic by RealFoodTraveler.com.

More than the performance

Famous for tailgating and stunning sights, the Santa Fe Opera’s summer repertory of five productions present creative re-imaginings of classic operas, American and world premieres, and modern works, while offering interactive and approachable opportunities such as Family Nights, Tours, Prelude Talks, and discounted ticket programs.

From casual to fancy, people love to tailgate before performances. Photo courtesy Santa Fe Opera.

Approximately half of the Opera’s visitors each year are there to check the experience off their tourist bucket list. First-timers and returning audience members are always in for visual surprises. The Santa Fe Opera’s philosophy allows for creative independence with each production, so, “even if the production is set in the original time it was intended by the composer, it’s often a brand new production – a brand new take,” says Emily Doyle Moore, Director of Media and Public Relations for the Santa Fe Opera. “Audience members will have never before seen that staging, including the set pieces, costumes and, of course, cast.”

Sets are unique to each production and take full advantage of the theater’s views of the sunset. Photo: production of La Boheme, Mario Chang (Rodolfo) And Vanessa Vasquez (Mimì). Photo Credit Ken Howard For The Santa Fe Opera, 2019.

Hungry for more? Read about a delicious foodie day in Santa Fe.

Hoping for stormy weather during the opera in Santa Fe

And if that isn’t enough, because of the setting of the Santa Fe Opera House, nature, itself, becomes part of the scenery and performance. Amazing sunsets can be seen at the back of the stage and seasonal monsoon rains often blow in, sprinkling raindrops on audience members closest to the sides. Part of the anticipated experience of being in The Crosby Theater (named for founder John Crosby’s family) is knowing that rain happens.

“It’s part of that whole immersive experience,” Doyle says. “The weather is another character and has a role each and every night. As people who attend know, the lightning seems to happen just on cue as the villain enters the stage.”

Patrons enjoy the sites inside the theater and out before performances. Photo credit (c) Insight Foto.

Beyond providing an incredible emprise for audiences, the Santa Fe Opera also serves as a training ground for singers and technicians through their Apprentice Programs. Around 40 young opera singers fill the chorus and background roles each season while nearly double that number of technical apprentices assist with behind-the-scenes activities, going on to serve the entertainment industry in more operas and other performance platforms.

Each season, members of the apprenticeship program participate in each performance. Photo courtesy Santa Fe Opera.

For the Santa Fe Opera’s 2022 Season, classic operas will be performed by Bizet, Rossini, Verdi, and Wagner, with singing in English, French, German, and Italian (instantly translated into English and Spanish in a seat-back title system). The season runs July 1 through August 27, featuring Carmen, The Barber of Seville, Falstaff, Tristan und Isolde, and the company’s 18th world premiere, M. Butterfly. Get details about each production and tickets on the Opera website.

Hungry for more? Hear our podcast about the Santa Fe Margarita Trail.

Where to stay when you go

Consider staying at one of the Opera’s lodging partners: Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado in Santa Fe, Drury Plaza Hotel in Santa Fe, Bishop’s Lodge, and Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi. Learn more, here.

 What to know about the city of Santa Fe when you visit

Many argue that summer is the best time to visit Santa Fe, New Mexico; it’s a time when the days are filled with must-see art markets, lively festivals, new art exhibitions and more.  All of the city’s signature events are back and ready to welcome visitors to celebrate as we have for decades. July brings the International Folk Art Market to Museum Hill and music performances to all corners of the city. In August the SWAIA Santa Fe Indian Market turns 100 and focus shifts to all things Indigenous art and culture.  In September, burn your gloom at the annual Burning of Zozobra and don’t miss the Grand Tasting at the 31st Santa Fe Wine and Chile Fiesta. For more information to plan your trip, visit SantaFe.org.

-Story by Courtney Drake-McDonough in conjunction with the Santa Fe Opera.