Once again, The Los Alamos Opera Guild of The Guilds of The Santa Fe Opera, Inc. is joining Bandelier National Monument to present Opera on the Rocks, Saturday, September 15, 2018.
The performance returns this year with a concert staging of scenes from several popular operas. The New Mexico Performing Arts Society will present selections from Gounod’s Faust, Richard Strauss’ Der Rosenkavalier, Johann Strauss, Jr. The Gypsy Baron, and Offenbach’s Barcarolle, all selections from their sold-out performances in Santa Fe. The New Mexico Performing Arts Society was founded to promote the work of New Mexico-based professional musicians and features several singers who have already delighted us at past Opera on the Rocks performances; Andre Garcia-Nuthmann and Jennifer Perez will be welcomed back. Artistic Director Franz Vote brings to Santa Fe many years of international experience, including conducting at Bayreuth and the Metropolitan Opera. Artist information may be found at NMPAS.org.
Opera on the Rocks is an informal, family-oriented introduction to the world of opera, set in the beautiful, rustic amphitheater at Bandelier’s Juniper Campground. Shuttle buses provided by Los Alamos County Atomic City Transit, will bring visitors from Sullivan Field in Los Alamos and from the White Rock Visitor Center, beginning at 3 pm. Due to very limited parking at Bandelier, arrival by these free shuttle buses is required. Exceptions are vehicles displaying disability placards. Return shuttles to Los Alamos and White Rock are scheduled for just after the performance as well as around 7pm allowing time for opera goers to enjoy after performance food and drink in the park.
Los Alamos’ own Sirphey and UnQuarked will be selling food and beverages. Wine and beer tasting prior to purchase will also be available as well as dessert selections. Children can join Park Rangers for various crafts activities and a Pueblo drummer will remind us of the long history of music in Bandelier’s canyons and mesas.
In the event of rain, Opera on the Rocks will be rescheduled for Saturday, September 29.
This annual event is a fundraiser for The Santa Fe Opera Education and Community Programs and for the Friends of Bandelier. Ticket prices are $15 for individuals or $40 for a family of 4. Opera Guild members pay $10 for individuals or $25 for a family of 4. Overnight campers at Juniper Campground can attend for free. Thursday, September 13, is the final day to purchase tickets online.