About our rating systemMany rank the Santa Fe Opera second only to the Metropolitan Opera of New York in the United States. Established in 1957, it consistently attracts famed conductors, directors, and singers. At the height of the season, the company is 500 strong. It's noted for its performances of the classics, little-known works by classical European composers, and American premieres of 21st-century works. The theater, completed for the 1998 season, sits on a wooded hilltop 7 miles north of the city, off US 84/285. It's partially open-air, with open sides. A controversial structure, this new theater replaced the original, built in 1968, but preserved the sweeping curves attuned to the contour of the surrounding terrain. At night, the lights of Los Alamos can still be seen in the distance under clear skies.
The 8-week, 40-performance opera season runs from late June through late August. Highlights for 2009 include the world premiere of The Letter, composed by Paul Moravec, the first performance at the Santa Fe Opera of Gluck's Alceste, and new productions of Verdi's La Traviata and Donizetti's The Elixir of Love. All performances begin at 9pm, until the end of July when performances start at 8:30pm and the last week of the season when performances begin at 8pm. A small screen in front of each seat shows the libretto during the performance. A gift shop has been added, as has additional parking. The entire theater is wheelchair accessible.
