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.
Participant Reviews
Based on 37 Reviews
SHOWING
I came back to Roads Scholar after a hiatus of many years. A friend had recently recommended a different international trip which she took to Mexico. When my neighbor suggested the Sante Fe opera trip I was very pleasantly surprised by the high overall quality of the entire experience. I would have to conclude that Roads Scholar has listened to feedback and worked to tailor participants needs and interests.
— Review left August 29, 2025
Wonderful if exhausting trip with operas late at night and classes during the day. This really isn't a sightseeing trip although there are a few excursions but the days are not long enough for all that is planned. Our guide, Ellen, was lovely and knowledgeable. Oliver Prezant's classes were worth the price of the trip.
— Review left August 25, 2025
If you like opera and want to be a better-informed listener, you will love this program.
— Review left August 19, 2025
We thoroughly enjoyed The Opera extravaganza program and plan to attend next year if possible.
— Review left August 19, 2025
Well. you know I must love this trip, this was my fourth and I have already signed up for next year. The Santa Fe Opera is a world class opera company and the guides are wonderful, so caring and helpful. The lectures conducted by Oliver Prezant every morning are not to be missed. Santa Fe is a terrific town, beautiful, scrumptious food and the hotel is right off the Plaza. Come join us whether this is your first opera or you are a seasoned opera lover.
— Review left August 15, 2025
This is my second santa fe opera trip with Road Scholar, and it was even better than the first one. Oliver is an amazing teacher, opening my ears and my mind to ever greater depths of the music.
— Review left August 14, 2025
I really expanded by knowledge about opera. The Santa Fe Opera is excellent. The opera house is beautiful and the acoustics are excellent. Oliver Prezant gave excellent engaging lectures. Sherry, Ellen, and Kate are excellent and well organized guides. I really recommend this tour if you are interested in expanding your love of opera.
— Review left August 11, 2025
FANTASTIC NIGHTS AT THE OPERA--THE PRODUCTIONS, SINGERS, MUSICIANS AS WELLS AS CHRIS GIBSON AND OLIVER PREZANT WERE AN EXPERIENCE I WILL NOT SOON FORGET.
— Review left August 7, 2025
If you've ever wished that you knew more about opera as an art form, this is the program designed just for you. Learn about its history and the stagecraft behind the scenes while taking in five memorable Santa Fe Opera productions in its breathtaking outdoor theatre.
— Review left August 5, 2025
This is an excellent program than can be enjoyed by anyone who has no knowledge of opera and the way up to a person who has expert knowledge of opera.
— Review left August 31, 2024
Excellent instructor and group leader. Interesting perspective on opera for seasoned fans and for beginners.
— Review left August 23, 2024
The Opera Extravaganza is just the best for opera lovers. To experience the Santa Fe Summer Opera in the lovely setting of New Mexico with the lectures by Oliver Prezant makes for wonderful memories.
— Review left August 22, 2024
Enchanting Entertainment in the Land of Enchantment!
— Review left August 19, 2024
Magical week in Santa Fe - Everything was even better than last year - Oliver with guest speakers from the opera, fun companions, great singing, orchestra and not to be believed scenery for five all challenging performances.
Greer Grimsley and Tracy K Smith and Gregory Spears World Premiere, scenery for Rosenkavalier, hope I get to see Ryan Speedo Green next year. Thank you Shelly and Ellen for managing our happy group
— Review left August 15, 2024
A superb week of education, music, and friendship. Planning on attending next year.
— Review left August 14, 2024
Opera Lovers, Santa Fe Opera is amazing! Santa Fe is amazing! And this program is totally worthwhile!
— Review left August 14, 2024
The opportunity to be a part of the outdoor amphitheatr experience offered by Santa Fe Opera is not to be missed. The convenience of the program in the area of ticketing, (great seats!!!) transportation, meals, and hotel add to the value. The museums and free time to explore the city made the contrast to opera complete. Morning lectures and guests were meaningful. Hotel is in an excellent location for easy walks to the plaza and the downtown area. This is a great trip for opera lovers, regardless of their level of knowledge or previous experience. The chance to see world-famous stars as well as in-depth learning about each production followed by thoughtful discussion the day after each performance made the trip much better than it would have been if I had traveled alone.
— Review left August 7, 2024
This is the perfect program for those who like/love opera and are wanting to learn more about it and how to increase appreciation of the art form.
— Review left August 6, 2024
This is a fabulous program! Oliver Prezant’s morning presentations are delightful — I got to see 3 operas that were unfamiliar to me — the Santa Fe Opera productions are innovative and exciting — and there are numerous excellent restaurants in Santa Fe. I totally understand why people enroll in this program multiple years.
— Review left September 3, 2023
A trip worth attending to see and learn what opera is all about. Truly, enjoyed the learning experience!
— Review left August 25, 2023
I liked this program. The interactions and layout have made me want to participate in other Road Scholar programs.
— Review left August 23, 2023
I enjoyed this trip immensely as I was a novice about Opera. I was a little concerned about a daily 3 hour lecture, but Oliver made it enjoyable, as well as educational. I have no experience with music other than enjoying listening, but did not feel overwhelmed at all. The operas were slightly different than i thought, but the venue and production sold me on getting more opera in my future. The hotel was very nice, although the food was a little bland; Happy Hour was a pleasant change.
— Review left August 21, 2023
This program serves both experienced opera-goers and neophyes well. Interesting discussions with open-minded, smart and friendly people.
— Review left August 16, 2023
This was a wonderful learning experience for me. I hope to do more trips with Road Scholar.
— Review left August 16, 2023
Oh my goodness. How to be brief? I think these opera tours are perfect for me. The level of instruction was very high but not daunting. The other participants were stimulating. Near as I could tell, we all felt comfortable about contributing. The operas and accommodations were wonderful.
— Review left August 14, 2023
I had looked forward to seeing the operas. I did not expect the number of hours we spent with the lecturer. I was not disappointed with either. I loved the operas and the lectures made them even more enjoyable. Great experience.
— Review left August 7, 2023
A world was opened wide and my enjoyment of opera was enhanced with this program. Many conversations about music, production and the intent of the director enlivened the experience.
— Review left August 7, 2023
This course is a good bet, whether you are an opera buff or an opera novice who wants to know more. It's also a chance to experience much of what Santa Fe has to offer: many museums and galleries, high quality restaurants, and some regional history.
— Review left September 1, 2022
Whether you are new to opera or a long time opera goer, this program has much to offer you: fine performances, great discussions/lectures wonderful accommodations
— Review left August 24, 2022
The Santa Fe Opera experience was great. However, late nights and bring a tad more than a light wrap. One night I was very cold; bring layers.
— Review left August 17, 2022
This is a fantastic program that we have attended many times. It is enjoyed by people who are knowledgeable long term opera buffs as well as people who have never attended an opera before. Oliver Prezant is an amazing presenter who has a depth of musical knowledge as well as a special talent for sharing it with participants. Staying in the center of Santa Fe and going to museums are the icing on the cake.
— Review left August 16, 2022
A great program whether you're an opera addict or only go to see AIDA if there are elephants in the production. The lecture component alone is worth the price of admission. And performances at Santa Fe Opera make you wonder why they don't just sell tickets to watch the sunsets!
— Review left August 16, 2022
If you love opera or not, this program is for you - great music, great lectures at one of the most beautiful cities!
— Review left August 13, 2022
What a great opportunity to combine the beauty and excitement of Santa Fe with five nights of world class opera topped by lively discussion.
— Review left August 9, 2022
Excellent program with a brilliant and approachable lecturer. Great for experienced opera mavens as well as newcomers to opera.
— Review left August 8, 2022
If you are an opera lover, this is a great program for you. The Santa Fe opera is a first class venue and this program is a first class way of experiencing it.
— Review left August 18, 2019
If you love opera, this is for you, and Santa Fe is worth visiting on its own. Oliver P. will teach you things you never even thought about.
— Review left August 11, 2019