SANTA FE

With revivals of Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly and Mozart’s The Magic Flute, a new production and company premiere of Handel’s Rodelinda, and the American Premiere of Tobias Picker's Lili Elbe. Plus the Apprentice Scenes concert and two concerts at the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival.

Private lectures, superb meals, Inn of the Anasazi.

Santa Fe is one of our favourite destinations, and the Santa Fe Opera Festival is one of our favourite (and most popular) tours—proof that you needn’t travel across the globe for a very special opera getaway. What makes Santa Fe different is how wonderful it feels just being there – something about the magical combination of perfect weather, breathtaking landscape, charming Southwest architecture and friendly locals, as well as the scores of shops and galleries that make it impossible to walk the historic streets of this city without a smile on your face. And of course the quality of the performances that take place each night and the quality of the venue itself, the glorious mesa-top Crosby Theatre, is often a surprise to attendees.

In 2026, the Santa Fe Opera presents a lineup of classic, rarely performed and new works. The 69th Festival Season features two new productions, two celebrated revivals and an American premiere. An homage to the company’s first-ever performance in 1957, Lee Blakeley’s acclaimed production of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly will be revived by Melanie Bacaling. Next is a new international co-production with Garsington Opera of Mozart’s The Magic Flute directed by Christopher Luscombe. Centering the season is a revival of Alessandro Talevi’s production of Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin, originally presented during the opera’s 2021 Season. Handel’s Rodelinda is offered for the first time at the Santa Fe Opera, led by Santa Fe Opera Music Director and early music specialist Harry Bicket with direction by R.B. Schlather. Finally, the Santa Fe Opera presents the American premiere of Lili Elbe, an opera in two acts by Grammy-winning composer Tobias Picker and librettist Aryeh Lev Stollman, featuring former Apprentice singer Lucia Lucas in the title role. The popular Apprentice Scenes return, showcasing the opera’s singing and technical apprentices along with the Santa Fe Opera Orchestra.

As always, we include noontime concerts at the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival, and we embark on tours that explore and celebrate the regional indigenous culture.

Deluxe accommodation for 7 nights at the Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi, located just steps from the Historic Plaza. 

With private lectures by Oliver Prezant and tour direction/guiding by Peter Camara, no one does Santa Fe better.

To reserve your space, click here.

ITINERARY

Monday, August 17

Upon arrival in Albuquerque Sunport (or Santa Fe Airport) you are met and transferred to the elegant Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi, ideally-located near the Plaza. 18.45 This evening, we gather for introductions and then enjoy Welcome Dinner at the hotel.

Tuesday, August 18

10.00 Following breakfast (included each day), depart on a private “hidden gems” tour of Santa Fe, including historic sites near The Plaza.  

11.45 Take our seats at St. Francis Auditorium for our first Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival recital by pianist Juho Pohjonen.

17.00 Tonight we walk to dinner at La Plazuela and then depart by private coach to the Santa Fe Opera for Lili Elbe. 

Lili’s journey—marked by love, loss and self-discovery—is the true story of a Danish painter who, with the steadfast support of her wife Gerda, became one of the first to undergo gender-affirmation surgery nearly a century ago. This is the American premiere of the two-act opera by Grammy Award-winning composer Tobias Picker, with a libretto by Aryeh Lev Stollman, dramaturgy by Lucia Lucas and direction by James Robinson in a new co-production with Seattle Opera. Of special note is the return of Mr. Picker to the Santa Fe Opera, where, thirty years ago, his first opera, Emmeline, received its world premiere and was captured for national broadcast by PBS’ Great Performances.

Recipient of the 2023 OPER! Award for Best World Premiere, this groundbreaking work tells the powerful true story of Lili Elbe (1882–1931), a Danish landscape painter who became one of the first individuals to undergo gender-affirmation surgery nearly 100 years ago. With the unwavering support of her wife, artist Gerda Wegener, Lili embarks on a courageous journey of self-discovery, facing profound love, loss and the human cost of pioneering change.

Says General Director Robert K. Meya, “At the heart of any thriving society is the freedom to live truthfully — to seek self-realization without fear or denial. Lili Elbe is more than a powerful new opera; it is a poignant reminder of what it means to fight for authenticity, dignity and love. We are honored to bring this extraordinary true story to our stage and to continue championing works that reflect the full spectrum of the human experience.”

Director James Robinson’s production emphasizes the opera’s underlying story of Orpheus and Eurydice which parallels the shifting emotional landscapes of Lili and Gerda. Scenic design by Allen Moyer brings the elegance of 1920s Copenhagen and Paris to life with costumes by Marco Piemontese reflecting evolving perceptions of identity and self-reinvention. Marcus Doshi provides lighting with projections by Greg Emetaz. Susanne Sheston is the Chorus Director and Seán Curran serves as Choreographer.

Lucia Lucas, a celebrated Heldenbaritone, stars in the title role and serves as dramaturg, bringing a performance shaped by artistry and lived experience. Maestro Roberto Kalb leads the Santa Fe Opera Orchestra and a stunning cast including Sylvia D’Eramo as Gerda Wegener, Josh Lovell as Claude Lejeune, Lindsay Ammann as Mother Wegener and former Apprentice singer Andrew Harris as Professor Warnekros.

Wednesday, August 19

10.00 This morning we enjoy a private opera talk with Oliver Prezant in the hotel's Library.

11.30 We then walk to the St. Francis Auditorium for a midday recital: Baritone Benjamin Appl and pianist Simon Lepper return to perform three Schubert song cycles: Die Winterreise, Die schöne Müllerin, and Schwanengesang.

17.00 Tonight we dine at The Bull Ring prior to Eugene Onegin at Santa Fe Opera. Unbridled passion, devastating heartbreak and unspoken regret. Tatyana’s love is rejected by Onegin. He realizes his mistake, a little too late, leaving no one untouched by the haunting pull of nostalgia and the aching memory of what was, what was not and what could have been.

When originally presented here in 2021, pandemic protocols necessitated significant artistic innovation: the opera’s powerful chorus — essential to the drama and emotional scale of the piece — was positioned offstage, while dancers in costume conveyed the action through movement. Now presented in its complete theatrical vision with newly designed and built costumes, full chorus integration and richly layered stage direction, the opera will come to life in full theatrical splendor.

With evocative sets and costumes by Gary McCann, the scenes shift seamlessly between ornate interiors and natural landscapes, with Santa Fe’s open-air backdrop heightening the opera’s emotional depth. Rick Fisher is the Lighting Designer, Susanne Sheston serves as Chorus Director and Athol Farmer is the Choreographer.

Conducted by Keri-Lynn Wilson in her company debut, the production features an international cast. Making both American and company debuts are Azerbaijani mezzo-soprano Elmina Hasan in the role of Olga and Peruvian tenor Iván Ayón-Rivas as Lensky; making company debuts are Olga Kulchynska as Tatyana, Mattia Olivieri as Onegin and Lindsay Ammann as Larina. Alexander Köpeczi is Prince Gremin, former Apprentice singer Meridian Prall returns as Filipyevna and Ya-Chung Huang performs Monsieur Triquet.

Thursday, August 20

10.00 Today we enjoy a guided tour to Los Alamos, site of the Manhattan Project. Back to the hotel by 14.00.

17.00 This evening we walk to dinner at Sazón prior to Puccini's beloved Madama Butterfly.

Puccini’s transcendental music floats in the Crosby Theatre as the story unfolds. This poignant staging blends tradition with emotional depth, featuring elegant scenery by Jean-Marc Puissant, costumes by Brigitte Reiffenstuel and atmospheric lighting by Rick Fisher. Susanne Sheston serves as Chorus Director.

Conductor John Fiore leads a phenomenal international cast, with several making company debuts: Karen Chia-ling Ho as Cio-Cio-San, Sun-Ly Pierce as Suzuki and Ya-Chung Huang in his American debut singing Goro. Stephen Costello sings Pinkerton and Jonathan Burton takes the role for the final two performances. Former Apprentice singers Jarrett Ott and Le Bu perform Sharpless and the Bonze, respectively.

Friday, August 21

09.00 This morning we offer a guided tour at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum.

14.00 Following lunch at leisure, we have our final talk with Oliver Prezant at the hotel.

17.00 This evening we dine at Coyote Café prior to Handel's Rodelinda. Queen Rodelinda navigates a dangerous political web to protect her throne and family, while her love for her supposedly dead husband reignites in a dramatic clash of passion and ambition. A timeless story of despair, love and ultimately, redemption, unfolds in a bold new production that will grip you from first to final note.

Inspired by a production hailed as a Critic’s Pick by the New York Times when first staged by R.B. Schlather at the historic Hudson Hall in 2023, this production pairs Baroque orchestration led by Handel specialist Harry Bicket with what Schlather describes as a “noir melodrama gangster story” — a tale of love, power, loyalty and redemption, underscored by exquisite music. With beautiful period costumes from Doey Lüthi, lighting by Masha Tsimring and scenic design by R.B. Schlather and Associate Scenic Designer Jiaying Zhang, the result is a visually striking show complete with a dynamic turntable set.

The cast features several company debuts, including Lucy Crowe as Rodelinda, Anthony Gregory as Grimoaldo and Hugh Cutting as Unulfo. Returning to the Santa Fe Opera are Iestyn Davies as Bertarido, Meridian Prall as Eduige and William Guanbo Su as Garibaldo.

Saturday, August 22

10.00 This morning we meet in the lobby and depart by coach for a tour of the Santuario de Chimayo and the Santo Nino de Atocha Chapel, and, time permitting, an historic Trading Post.

17.00 Tonight we dine at Santacafé before returning to the opera house for The Magic Flute at Santa Fe Opera, a new co-production with Garsington Opera directed by Christopher Luscombe in his company debut and conducted by Santa Fe Opera Music Director Harry Bicket.

Inspired by Edwardian pantomime, this new production merges spectacle with storytelling to create an immersive experience for audiences of all ages. Scenic Designer Simon Higlett crafts a world of trompe-l’œil scenery, evoking Victorian music halls, while lighting by Philip Rosenberg and illusions by Chris Fisher heighten the magic with stunning stage effects. Costume Designer Robert Perdziola blends early 19th-century silhouettes with theatrical flourishes, reflecting the opera’s blend of fantasy and adventure. Susanne Sheston serves as Chorus Director.

Making company debuts are Josh Lovell as Tamino, Joélle Harvey as Pamina, Rainelle Krause as the Queen of the Night and Alexander Köpeczi as Sarastro. Several former Apprentice singers return, including Will Liverman as Papageno, Spencer Hamlin as Monostatos and Le Bu as the Speaker. A new English translation by Jeremy Sams brings immediacy and humor to the performances.

Sunday, August 23

10.00 This morning we explore the shops and galleries on Canyon Road, with some of the finest native and contemporary art in the region.

17.00 Tonight we enjoy our Farewell Dinner at Geronimo, one of Santa Fe's best restaurants, before returning to the opera house for the Apprentice Scenes concert.

Monday, August 24

Transfers to Albuquerque or Santa Fe Airport are included and will be advised on-site.

TOUR INCLUDES

• Top Category seats for 5 operas and 3 concerts

• 7 nights Deluxe accommodation at the Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi

• Full breakfast daily, plus 7 dinners 

• Private tours as listed

• Airport-hotel transfers 

• On-site Tour Direction

• Comprehensive Tour Guidebook

FLIGHTS

Flights are not included in tour pricing. Return flights should be booked to either Albuquerque (ABQ) or Santa Fe (SAF) for arrival on August 17, departure on August 24.

TRANSFERS

We provide airport/rail station—hotel transfers for arrivals and departures within within 3 days of the start/end of our tour. We also provide transfers for group meals and performances that are beyond a 10 minute walk.

MOBILITY

There is minimal walking with some stairs and eneven terrain during the guided tours. As for all of our tours, we are happy to accommodate you regardless of your mobility level. Please make clear your mobility concerns at the time of registration. We provide transfers for group meals and performances that are beyond a 10 minute walk.

INSURANCE

We strongly recommend that all tour members purchase cancellation insurance upon registration. We can assist you with this, though you are welcome to purchase a policy at your own discretion. For more information about our travel insurance, click here.