Pauline Adamek
The Santa Fe Opera, internationally recognized for its extraordinary open-air performances in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, has officially announced the complete casting, creative teams, and performance schedule for its highly anticipated 2025 Festival Season. From June 27 through August 23, 2025, the opera will present 38 performances, including five major productions and two special Sunday evenings that shine a spotlight on its acclaimed Apprentice Programs.
Now in its 68th season, the Santa Fe Opera continues its long-standing commitment to a dynamic and inclusive repertoire, blending new works, lesser-known treasures, and classic masterpieces in a programming model that both honors tradition and embraces innovation.
Pictured above: La bohème scenery on stage at the Santa Fe Opera, credit Tracy Armagost for the Santa Fe Opera
The 68th Festival Season showcases 42 Debuting Artists, 33 Returning Artists, the Santa Fe Opera Orchestra and more than 120 young singers and technicians from the opera’s renowned Apprentice Programs in works by Puccini, Mozart, Verdi, Britten and Wagner.
2025 Season Highlights and Creative Updates
Each of the five mainstage productions benefits from the contributions of Andrew Moss as Fight and Intimacy Director and David Zimmerman as Wig and Makeup Designer.
La bohème: This new production, directed by James Robinson, opens the season with an exciting cast change. Emma Marhefka makes her company debut as Musetta, replacing Emily Pogorelc, who has withdrawn for family reasons. Willem van Schalkwyk joins the team as Children’s Chorus Director.
The Turn of the Screw: Louisa Muller directs this chilling Britten opera in a Canadian Opera Company production first staged at Garsington Opera. Company debuts include Annie Blitz as Flora and Everett Baumgarten as Miles. Jennifer Johnson Cano returns to the Santa Fe Opera stage as Mrs. Grose, stepping in for Christine Rice.
Die Walküre: Wagner’s epic arrives at the Santa Fe Opera for the first time in a groundbreaking new production by director Melly Still. Acclaimed designer Leslie Travers, celebrated for his work on Rusalka (2023) and Salome (2015), returns to design both sets and costumes.
The Marriage of Figaro: Mozart’s beloved comedy returns in a revival of the 2021 production by Laurent Pelly, offering audiences a richly staged and witty take on this classic.
Rigoletto: A bold, new staging by director Julien Chavaz marks a thrilling international collaboration with Irish National Opera and Opera Zuid. The production opens on July 12.
Go here for the complete season calendar and ticket information.
Reimagining the Apprentice Scenes
The Santa Fe Opera continues to lead in cultivating the next generation of operatic talent. This season’s Apprentice Scenes are reimagined to offer expanded performance and training opportunities for both singing and technical apprentices.
August 10: A showcase of fully staged scenes from the operatic canon, honoring a long-standing Santa Fe Opera tradition.
August 17: A concert performance featuring Apprentice singers performing alongside the Santa Fe Opera Orchestra, conducted by Iván López Reynoso.
Summer Saturdays in Santa Fe Transportation Package
In a major step toward accessibility and sustainability, the Santa Fe Opera launches “Summer Saturdays in Santa Fe,” a new round-trip transportation option in collaboration with the Rio Metro Regional Transit District. Patrons traveling from Albuquerque and other Rail Runner communities can now enjoy a convenient, carefree evening at the opera, thanks to the addition of a late-night return train following each Saturday evening performance.
More details are available here.
Live Opening Night Radio Broadcasts on 95.5 KHFM
For the fifth consecutive year, Santa Fe Opera Opening Nights will be broadcast live on 95.5 KHFM. These performances, captured from The Crosby Theatre, will air on the following dates at 6 PM MDT:
July 28
August 4
August 11
August 18
August 25
Audiences across New Mexico and around the globe can listen via live streaming at khfm.org. Each broadcast will also be available for free on-demand listening for 30 days at both khfm.org and santafeopera.org/radio-broadcasts.
An Invitation from General Director Robert K. Meya
“Now more than ever, people are seeking new and memorable experiences. A night at the Santa Fe Opera offers first-time visitors and longtime patrons just that. From live performances to the fun of tailgating, Preview Dinners, Backstage Tours and free Prelude Talks, we have something for everyone. I hope you will join us for a sensational summer of open-air opera.”
General Director Robert K. Meya.
Join them for their 2025 Season
Whether you’re a longtime opera enthusiast or attending for the first time, the Santa Fe Opera’s 2025 Season offers unforgettable storytelling, world-class artistry, and the singular beauty of music beneath the stars.
Tickets and season information are available now at their site.
