Headlined by the Santa Fe Opera, music is an integral piece of a true New Mexico experience. Opera and chamber music have been pillars of Santa Fe for more than 70 years, where each summer some of the best performances in the world take place.
Music Highlights in New Mexico
Santa Fe Opera
The Santa Fe Opera is an American opera company that presents operas each summer festival since July 1957, and is internationally known for introducing new operas as well as for its production of the standard operatic repertoire. The house itself is a point of visual and architectural wonder, an aria given shape under the overarching sky. Every part directs our attention toward the stage, where the disciplines of music and stagecraft at the highest level combine to challenge the notion of what is possible on the opera stage.
Santa Fe Desert Chorale
Founded in 1982 by Lawrence “Larry” Bandfield, the Santa Fe Desert Chorale is one of the longest continually performing professional music organizations in New Mexico, as well as one of the most distinguished. Now in his tenth season, Artistic Director Joshua Habermann leads the Chorale in repertoire spanning seven centuries, from early polyphony to contemporary works. The composition of the Chorale is truly national in scope and the ensemble is recognized among the finest American chamber choirs.
Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival
Since it was founded in 1972, the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival has become one of the world’s preeminent music festivals, guided by a visionary spirit and dedicated to artistic excellence and innovation. Contributing to its magic is the Festival’s unique Santa Fe setting, nestled amid the timeless splendors of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Under the spirited artistic leadership of composer/pianist Marc Neikrug, the Festival invites scores of distinguished musicians, along with emerging young talent, during its 6-week season.
