About
The Santa Fe Opera Festival 2026 invites audiences to experience opera in one of the most extraordinary settings in the world — where breathtaking desert landscapes, innovative productions, and world-class voices come together under the famous New Mexico sky. From July 3 to August 29, 2026, the Santa Fe Opera presents its 69th season, continuing its tradition of artistic discovery, bold storytelling, and unforgettable evenings of music theatre.
Founded in 1957, the Santa Fe Opera has become one of America’s leading summer opera festivals, renowned for its distinctive open-air theatre, adventurous repertoire, and commitment to both celebrated masterpieces and new works. The 2026 season brings together five productions that span centuries of opera — from Baroque elegance to Romantic drama and contemporary creation.
The season opens with Puccini’s beloved masterpiece Madama Butterfly, a deeply moving story of love, sacrifice, and hope. The production features conductor John Fiore, with Karen Chia-ling Ho as Cio-Cio-San, Stephen Costello as Pinkerton, and Sun-Ly Pierce as Suzuki. This revival brings together powerful voices and the emotional richness of Puccini’s unforgettable score.
Mozart’s timeless The Magic Flute appears in a new production created in collaboration with Garsington Opera. Conducted by Santa Fe Opera Music Director Harry Bicket and directed by Christopher Luscombe, the production presents Mozart’s enchanting world of imagination, humour, and human transformation.
The festival continues with Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin, a poetic exploration of love, regret, and missed opportunities. The production features conductor Keri-Lynn Wilson, with Olga Kulchynska as Tatyana, Mattia Olivieri as Eugene Onegin, and Iván Ayón-Rivas as Lensky. Directed by Alessandro Talevi, the staging returns to the Santa Fe stage with renewed emotional depth.
Another highlight of the season is Handel’s Baroque masterpiece Rodelinda, conducted by Harry Bicket and directed by R. B. Schlather. The cast includes acclaimed countertenor Iestyn Davies as Bertarido, with Lucy Crowe in the title role. Their collaboration brings extraordinary vocal refinement and dramatic intensity to Handel’s music.
The 2026 season also presents the American premiere of Lili Elbe by composer Tobias Picker and librettist Aryeh Lev Stollman, a powerful contemporary opera inspired by the life of Danish artist Lili Elbe. The production expands the festival’s tradition of presenting new works that explore important human stories.
The open-air theatre creates an experience where opera feels immediate, intimate, and unforgettable. The Santa Fe Opera Festival 2026 is a celebration of imagination, discovery, and the timeless power of opera.
About the Santa Fe Opera Festival
Set against the dramatic landscape of northern New Mexico, the Santa Fe Opera Festival is one of the most distinctive and internationally respected opera festivals in the United States. Known for its innovative productions, breathtaking natural setting, and commitment to artistic excellence, the festival offers a unique experience where opera, architecture, and the beauty of the Southwest come together.
Founded in 1957 by John Crosby, the festival was created with a vision of presenting opera in a new and inspiring environment. Since its beginnings, Santa Fe Opera has become famous for its adventurous repertoire, combining beloved masterpieces with rare works and new commissions that expand the boundaries of the art form.
The festival’s home is the remarkable Santa Fe Opera House, an open-air theatre designed to embrace the surrounding landscape. With its distinctive architecture and spectacular views of the New Mexico sky, the venue transforms every performance into a visual and musical experience. Sunsets, stars, and the natural scenery become part of the evening’s atmosphere.
Each summer, the festival brings together leading international singers, conductors, directors, and designers to create a season of opera at the highest level. Its artistic identity is shaped by bold interpretations, exceptional young talent, and a dedication to both tradition and innovation.
Beyond performances, Santa Fe Opera is also renowned for its prestigious apprentice programs, which support emerging artists and contribute to the future of opera. Many internationally acclaimed performers began their careers through the festival’s development programs.
Visionary, inspiring, and uniquely connected to its surroundings, the Santa Fe Opera Festival offers an unforgettable celebration of opera where world-class artistry meets the breathtaking spirit of the American Southwest.
