Ever since I could remember, my grandparents would take me to the Opera with them. I looked forward to the Häagen-Dazs during intermission, they looked forward to the opera. Yet, as my taste became more refined, I began to really enjoy the theatrics of the Santa Fe Opera. In its 2023 season, June 30 - August 26, The Santa Fe Opera premiers five operas with a world premiere orchestration by Nico Muhly. Here is a run down of the five operas coming up this season…

TOSCA
Giacomo Puccini

Tenacious diva, Floria Tosca, is thrust into a no-win situation after her lover, the painter Mario, assists the escape of a political prisoner. They are cornered by the corrupt Scarpia. Each decision she makes brings fate, and disaster, one step closer.

THE FLYING DUTCHMAN
Richard Wagner

Every seven years, a cursed and ghostly sea captain gets a chance at redemption. He needs a bride to break the curse. Can he find a woman pure of heart, or will he roam the seas eternally?

PELLÉAS ET MÉLISANDE
Claude Debussy

Golaud, grandson of King Arkel, falls in love and marries the mysterious Mélisande. His half-brother Pelléas falls for Mélisande as well. It’s a love triangle of royal proportions.

RUSALKA
Antonîn Dvoråk

Rusalka, a young water nymph, falls in love with a prince. The witch gives her a potion that will render her human but take away her voice. Rusalka risks everything for love and ends up paying dearly.

ORFEO
Music: Claudio Monteverdi
World Premiere Orchestration: Nico Muhly

Legendary lovers, Orfeo and Euridice, face death and separation. They undertake a perilous journey from the underworld back to the world of the living. One rule must be followed: Orfeo cannot look at Euridice. His conviction falters, he turns …

APPRENTICE SCENES

The opera’s singing and technical apprentices take the MainStage spotlight for two unique evenings of staged scenes. These evenings are fun-filled “sampler boxes” of operatic styles. They are a great introduction to opera and a great value for families to enjoy an evening out. They are the perfect opportunity to experience the future of opera - now.

Intrigued? For more information about the Santa Fe Opera, please call 505-986-5900 or visit santafeopera.org.