New Mexico

Opera Extravaganza: The Santa Fe Opera Festival Season

Program No. 11299RJ
Attend five live performances and enjoy expert discussions on Santa Fe’s opera scene as you take in the museums, plazas and unique sites of this historic city.

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At a Glance

Explore the wonders of the opera world as you experience this season's productions of the Santa Fe Opera and enjoy the exciting combination of music, theater, writing, art and dance. Program lectures will inform you about the composer, music, singers and the story of each work you experience.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Getting on and off the motorcoach. Walking up to two miles over the course of the day on paved and unpaved surfaces. Standing up to one hour at a time. Negotiating at least one flight of stairs.

What You'll Learn

  • Attend an array of staged productions starring some of the finest singers from the U.S. and abroad in a spectacular open-air amphitheater.
  • Enjoy a Santa Fe city field trip and explore the museums at world-renowned Museum Hill.
  • Dive deep into each production with daily presentations by our expert opera instructor.

General Notes

Program limited to 70 participants, divided into two smaller groups of 35 for many activities. Small group assignments will be made approximately one month prior to the program start date. If you are traveling with companions who are not your roommate and you would like to be grouped together, please list their names on your “Personal Information & Preferences” in your Road Scholar “My Account” page.” Approximately two weeks prior to the program departure you will receive an email with your group assignment and Group Leader information. Upgraded seats available. Each program attends all five performances presented by the Santa Fe Opera; the itinerary varies by program according to the Opera's performance schedule.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Oliver Prezant
Oliver Prezant is a lecturer and educator for the Santa Fe Opera and has presented for the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival, the Guilds of the San Francisco Opera, and other organizations. He was the music director/conductor of the Santa Fe Community Orchestra, and a faculty member of the College of Santa Fe and Santa Fe University of Art and Design. He studied conducting at the Pierre Monteux School and is a graduate of the Mannes College of Music in New York City.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Oliver Prezant
Oliver Prezant View biography
Oliver Prezant is a lecturer and educator for the Santa Fe Opera and has presented for the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival, the Guilds of the San Francisco Opera, and other organizations. He was the music director/conductor of the Santa Fe Community Orchestra, and a faculty member of the College of Santa Fe and Santa Fe University of Art and Design. He studied conducting at the Pierre Monteux School and is a graduate of the Mannes College of Music in New York City.
Profile Image of Christopher Gibson
Christopher Gibson View biography
Christopher Gibson is an award-winning artist, writer, and arts educator who makes his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico. His work includes the Cuentos del Camino series on lower Cerrillos Road in Santa Fe and mixed-media installations at numerous museums in New Mexico and California. Over the years, he has written several articles on Hispanic arts and culture for the magazines "Tradición Revista" and "Imagen."
Profile Image of Elizabeth Mesh
Elizabeth Mesh View biography
Elizabeth Mesh is an educator, artist and actor with a master’s and license in art therapy. She has led thousands of people at the SITE Santa Fe art museum. She has also been on over 20 film and TV sets in New Mexico. Biking, hiking, blue skies and clean air make New Mexico a place she loves to share. Elizabeth has been teaching traditional and expressive art for two decades and has been featured on the Home and Garden Network Television’s segment “That’s Clever!”
Profile Image of Gail True
Gail True View biography
Gail True received her first passport when she was seven months old. She spent most of her career working in Human Resources for retail organizations and hospitals. Gail has lived in Arizona, Northern and Southern California, and in West Africa during her time in the Peace Corps. Her travels have taken her to more than 30 countries with plans to visit many more. She looks forward to getting to know her fellow Road Scholars, and to sharing the history and beauty of the true West.
Profile Image of Sherry Moon
Sherry Moon View biography
Sherry Moon is a certified interpreter for the profession of heritage interpretation and an experienced group leader. She has a bachelor's degree in Mass Communications and has taught communication and art. For nearly 20 years, she has been a group leader specializing in the Southwest and Alaska/Yukon. As president of the Rocky Mountain Guides Association, she is regarded as a local expert. Her interests include the arts, history, heritage, geology, reading, outdoor activities, and socializing with friends.
Profile Image of Ellen Morris Bond
Ellen Morris Bond View biography
Ellen Morris Bond has spent most of her adult years in northern New Mexico, graduating from the University of New Mexico Honors Program. She completed a Master’s Degree in Community Development at University of California-Davis. As a non-profit director, Ellen forged strong collaborations with local and regional organizations such as health councils, community foundations, tribal groups, hospitals, public schools, rural health clinics, and faith groups. She now volunteers with the local acequia/water organization and leads art and architecture groups at La Fonda of Santa Fe.
Profile Image of Jolene Catron
Jolene Catron View biography
Jolene Catron, who leads groups in the Mountain West and National Parks, weaves a rich tapestry of indigenous heritage into the fabric of the area's history. She strives to foster understanding and appreciation for the profound cultural and environmental significance of the places she leads in. During the offseason you can find her driving her taxi, listening to music, and crocheting. She is a military veteran and a citizen of the Navajo Nation with family ties to the Pueblos of Zuni and Laguna.
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Year
2024
  • 2024
  • 2025
Date
Aug 12 - Aug 19
  • Jul 29 - Aug 05
  • Aug 05 - Aug 12
  • Aug 12 - Aug 19
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Aug 12 - Aug 19, 2024 Itinerary Differences: This departure attends Santa Fe Opera performances in the following order on Tuesday - Saturday nights: The Righteous, The Elixir of Love, Der Rosenkavalier, Don Giovanni, La Traviata. This departure falls over Santa Fe Indian Market weekend, the largest juried Indian Arts and Crafts show in the world.
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Select trip year and date
2024
  • 2024
  • 2025
Aug 12 - Aug 19
  • Jul 29 - Aug 05
  • Aug 05 - Aug 12
  • Aug 12 - Aug 19
Aug 12 - Aug 19, 2024 Itinerary Differences: This departure attends Santa Fe Opera performances in the following order on Tuesday - Saturday nights: The Righteous, The Elixir of Love, Der Rosenkavalier, Don Giovanni, La Traviata. This departure falls over Santa Fe Indian Market weekend, the largest juried Indian Arts and Crafts show in the world.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
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8 days
7 nights
16 meals
7 B 4 L 5 D
DAY
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Santa Fe
D
Drury Plaza Hotel Santa Fe

Activity note: Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously). This program takes place at an elevation of 7,000 feet above sea level, so all physical activity, including walking and climbing stairs, will be more challenging than at sea level. If you are traveling with companions who are not your roommate and you would like to be grouped together, please list their names on your “Personal Information & Preferences” in your Road Scholar “My Account” page.”

Afternoon: Program Registration: 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. This is a Road Scholar Large Group program. The number of participants in this program may be as high as 70; the whole group will be together for most lectures and meals. For some activities and field trips participants will be separated into groups of no more than 35 participants. Each group will have a dedicated Group Leader. The schedule for your group may vary from the published itinerary, but each group will have an opportunity to experience all program elements. Orientation: 5:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Transportation for program-related activities will be via motorcoach unless specified otherwise. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. It is recommended to book dinners on your own in advance. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. If you are traveling with someone and wish to be grouped with them, please be sure to identify each other on your participant information and preferences. You will not be able to change groups after arriving at the program.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure. Take the rest of the evening to continue getting to know your fellow participants, relax, and get a good night’s sleep for the full day ahead.

DAY
2
Opera Class, Santa Fe Plaza, The Righteous Performance
Santa Fe
B,L,D
Drury Plaza Hotel Santa Fe

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 15 miles, approximately 1/2 hour riding time to/from the opera house. Walking up to a mile including several hundred feet to/from opera house; negotiating stairs to/from seats at the opera; varied terrain. Please note that the exploration of the Plaza area involves walking several blocks over paved, often uneven terrain with inclines. If you are unable to walk, you'll need to arrange for your own transportation via Uber, Lyft, or pedicab.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We’ll be joined by our expert instructor in the hotel meeting room who will lead a discussion about tonight’s opera. Each day, we’ll have the opportunity to dive deep into each production, examining the story, composer, music, and performers with our opera expert.

Lunch: At the hotel.

Afternoon: Our Group Leader will lead us on an exploration of Santa Fe’s Plaza area, the historic heart of the city. We’ll visit the impressive Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, the lovely Loretto Chapel with its intriguing spiral staircase, and other sites as time permits. We’ll return to the hotel with time to freshen up and relax before dinner.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: As we will before each performance, we’ll board our motorcoach and depart from the hotel at 7:15 p.m. for the Santa Fe Opera house. Tonight's performance will be “The Righteous.” We expect to return to the hotel by approximately 12:00 Midnight.

DAY
3
Opera Class, Backstage Visit, The Elixir of Love Performance
Santa Fe
B,L
Drury Plaza Hotel Santa Fe

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving 30 miles to/from the opera house; approximately 1 hour riding time each way. Walking up to 1 mile including several hundred feet to/from opera house; negotiating stairs to/from seats at the opera; varied terrain. The backstage visit involves walking uphill and several flights of stairs.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: At the hotel, our expert will debrief last night’s performance and discuss tonight's opera.

Lunch: At a popular local restaurant.

Afternoon: Next, we’ll ride to the Santa Fe Opera House for a docent-led backstage exploration. As we go behind the scenes to see the production areas, we'll gain a better understanding of all of the parts and processes involved in producing the beautiful performances we'll see this week. We’ll return to the hotel for some downtime before dinner.

Dinner: This meal has been excluded from the program cost so that you can enjoy what you wish or sample the local fare. Santa Fe is known for the breadth and depth of its culinary offerings. Not to be confused with "Tex-Mex," New Mexican cuisine is a fusion of Native American and Spanish influences. There are a number of fine restaurants within walking distance of the Santa Fe Plaza. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and directions. (Advance reservations recommended.)

Evening: We will depart at 7:15 p.m. for tonight's performance of “The Elixir of Love” at the Santa Fe Opera. We expect to return to the hotel by approximately 12:00 Midnight.

DAY
4
Opera Class, Vladem Art, Der Rosenkavalier Performance
Santa Fe
B,L,D
Drury Plaza Hotel Santa Fe

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 15 miles for 1/2 hour driving to/from the opera house; walking up to 1 mile including several hundred feet to/from opera house; negotiating stairs to/from seats at the opera; varied terrain. Riding up to 1 hour round trip for the field trip. Walking and standing for up to one hour during field trip.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: At the hotel, our expert will debrief last night’s performance and discuss tonight's opera.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Boarding the coach, we will head to the newly opened Vladem Contemporary New Mexico Museum of Art. This new museum has allowed the New Mexico Museum of Art to grow it collection of contemporary art and increase educational programming. Founded on the principle that art is for everyone, Vladem Contemporary shares work that explores what it is to be human and celebrates the diverse cultures of New Mexico.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: We will depart at 7:15 p.m. for tonight's performance of “Der Rosenkavalier” at the Santa Fe Opera. We expect to return to the hotel by approximately 12:00 Midnight.

DAY
5
Opera Class, Museum Hill, Don Giovanni Performance
Santa Fe
B,L,D
Drury Plaza Hotel Santa Fe

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 15 miles, approximately 1/2 hour riding time. Walking from several hundred feet up to a mile over paved and unpaved terrain over the course of the day; walking several hundred feet to/from opera house; negotiating stairs to/from seats at the opera; standing for up to two hours at museums.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: At the hotel, our expert will debrief last night’s performance and discuss tonight's opera.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: After lunch, we’ll board our coach and depart for Museum Hill for self-directed visits at the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture and the Museum of International Folk Art. The Museum of Indian Arts & Culture offers a huge collection of pottery, basketry, rugs, jewelry, and artifacts, mostly from tribes of the southwest region. The exhibits are beautifully displayed and documented. The Museum of International Folk Art’s holdings constitute the largest collection of international folk art in the world, including wings featuring some of the 106,000 pieces donated by collectors Alexander and Susan Girard and Lloyd Cotsen’s Neutrogena collection. Returning to the hotel, we’ll have some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: We will depart at 7:15 p.m. for tonight's performance of “Don Giovanni” at the Santa Fe Opera. We expect to return to the hotel by approximately 12:00 Midnight.

DAY
6
Opera Class, Free Time, La Traviata Performance
Santa Fe
B
Drury Plaza Hotel Santa Fe

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 15 miles, approximately 1/2 hour riding time to/from the opera house. Walking several hundred feet to/from opera house; negotiating stairs to/from seats at the opera. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: At the hotel, our expert will debrief last night’s performance and discuss tonight's opera.

Lunch: On your own.

Afternoon: Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. This weekend is the Santa Fe Indian Market, the largest juried Indian Arts and Crafts show in the world, with events and artisans all around downtown Santa Fe. You may be interested in attending some of the Indian Market events during your free time; we recommend checking the Indian Market website for the latest: www.swaia.org/schedule-of-events/

Dinner: On your own.

Evening: We will depart at 7:15 p.m. for tonight's performance of "La Traviata" at the Santa Fe Opera. We expect to return to the hotel by approximately 12:00 Midnight.

DAY
7
Opera Class, Free Time, Farewell Dinner
Santa Fe
B,D
Drury Plaza Hotel Santa Fe

Activity note: Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: At the hotel, our expert instructor will present a final wrap-up of last night’s opera and will debrief our week of performances.

Lunch: On your own.

Afternoon: Free time.

Dinner: At the hotel. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

Evening: We will wrap up the program in the meeting room and say farewell to new friends. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

DAY
8
Program Concludes
Santa Fe
B

Activity note: Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m.

Breakfast: At the hotel. This concludes our program.

Morning: If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!






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