This week's guest on REPORT FROM SANTA FE is Charles MacKay, general director of the Santa Fe Opera. MacKay describes his long relationship with the Santa Fe Opera, starting as a 17-year-old French Horn player in the orchestra and "pit boy."

For 24 years he was general director of the Opera Theater of St. Louis, before his triumphal return to Santa Fe as the third general director of the Santa Fe Opera.  MacKay discusses the current opera season and presents clips from Bizet's "Carmen" (known as the world's most popular opera) and Donizetti's "Don Pasquale." Founded 57 years ago by John Crosby, The Santa Fe Opera is an international destination for music lovers and opera buffs.

“The Santa Fe Opera is a national treasure and provides some of the finest opera performances to be seen anywhere in the world,” said Mackay. “I encourage everyone in the state to come and take advantage of this great cultural resource and to do so taking advantage of some of our great ticket buying opportunities. I think it is an unforgettable experience.”

QUOTE:

“People have said, ‘You know I can’t even remember what opera I first saw, but I will never forget that setting - and the beauty of hearing those great voices soaring over the orchestra in that setting - with the backdrop of the mountains. It is absolutely unforgettable.’”

– Charles MacKay