Santa Fe Opera

The Santa Fe Opera ( SFO) is an American opera company, whose opera house is located 7 miles north of Santa Fe, New Mexico.

History

The conductor John Crosby from Bronxville / New York founded the SFO in 1956 originally as Opera Association of New Mexico. His goal was to give American singers the opportunity to rehearse new roles and to provide enough time for the rehearsal and the samples. The first season of the Institution began on 3 July 1957.

Crosby remained as general manager until 2000, reaching the longest time in the history of opera directorate of the United States. Richard Gaddes succeeded him as CEO of 2000 to 2008.

Conception and organizational idea

From the beginning, stood down certain basic lines of what remained valid until today. Every year, from late June or early July to the third week of August, five operas presented in rotating repertory. For example, the singers at the same time act as a chorus for each opera, as well as extras.

The theater now newly built was designed by the Santa Fe Company McHugh and Kidder. One of its main features was the partial opening of the roof towards the center of the orchestra.