Santa Fe Opera House, Santa Fe, NM

The Santa Fe Opera House in Santa Fe, New Mexico began as a little known theater. At the time Santa Fe was not a destination city nor was it a place that really said "culture.'' Since the opera house has been in Santa Fe it has suddenly become a theatrical and musical venue. More than that, the opera house has one of the world's most well known cultural festivals.

Since 1957 theater and opera lovers have gone to the Santa Fe Opera House. The season lasts from the beginning of July and ends in August. The theater was created with adobe in the middle of the desert. Since the place has opened they have seen more than 85,000 people visit from around the US and the world. In fact about 25 countries have been represented at the opera house.

Their mission at the opera house has always been one to bring artistic works to the people of Santa Fe. Some of the performances are classics you might find in other opera houses, while others are rarely performed pieces and the work of locals. About 600 performances have been held at the opera house with 140 different operas and 40 premiers. Among the premiers have been Lulu, Capriccio, Daphne, and the Cunning Little Vixen.

Madame Mao was premiered at the theater in 2003, which was followed up with Ainadamar in 2005, and the premiere of Thomas Ade's the Tempest a year later. The cast for the shows includes many people from around the world. Young singers, production teams, conductors and designers have come from all over the world for training and fun. Some individuals who have worked in the company include Susan Graham, Patricia Racette, and Charles Castronovo. There is an apprentice program that young people can join in order to learn about opera and work on their talents.

Each season the operas will change. For 2010 the season will begin with Madame Butterfly. It is one of the most popular operas that is often played at opera houses. Along with the Madame Butterfly will be the Magic Flute, Tales of Hoffmann, Life is a Dream, Albert Herring, and there are some apprentice showcase scenes.

The prices of the tickets are dependent on where one wants to sit. However, the costs of the tickets are reasonable for any budget, so that everyone can enjoy a little opera. The apprentice scenes are $15 for adults and $5 for children ages 6 to 17. Reservations are required to ensure that one can see the showcase scenes.

The apprentice showcase will run in August between the 15 and 22. Albert Herring is on for six nights, one in July and the rest in August. The other performances are also going to be held in both months to ensure that visitors have a chance to see each performance. The opera house has season tickets that can be purchased. Depending on the year of one's visit the operas will change, so plan accordingly.