July 27 – August 3, 2025
There is a special quality about Santa Fe that has attracted visitors for more than 400 years. It is unique in its blending of Native American, Hispanic and Anglo cultures and is renowned for its wealth of museums and fascinating architecture.
The Santa Fe Opera House is nestled in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and offers a panoramic view of sunsets and stars through open sides. The acoustics are incomparable and an English translation of the opera is available in front of your seat.
Operas which you will see on the Tour:
Rigoletto by Giuseppe Verdi
In the court of the Duke swirls a storm of intrigue, lust and betrayal. Rigoletto the jester struggles in vain to keep his daughter from the Duke’s relentless desires. Vowing vengeance, he takes matters into his own hands only to become the unwitting punchline of a darker force. Julien Chavaz will make his Santa Fe Opera directorial debut with this new production that draws inspiration from the rich allure of Renaissance paintings. Italian conductor Carlo Montanaro in his company debut leads the Santa Fe Opera Orchestra and a dynamic cast. Spanish baritone Gerardo Bullón makes his US debut as Rigoletto. Cuban-American soprano and 2024 Richard Tucker Career Grant recipient Elena Villalón makes her role debut as Gilda. Former apprentice singer and tenor Duke Kim undertakes the role of the Duke.
The Turn of the Screw by Benjamin Britten
In the shadowed corridors of a country estate, a young governess finds herself destabilized by mystery. As disturbing events occur, she grapples with increasing paranoia that plunges audiences into a realm of psychological suspense. This is an operatic ghost story for the ages. Staged by Louisa Muller, get ready to be immersed in a haunting atmosphere that mirrors the eerie tension of the narrative. New Zealand-born conductor Gemma New takes the podium in her company debut. The cast features former apprentice singer and soprano Jacquelyn Stucker as the Governess, soprano Wendy Bryn Harmer as Miss Jessel, Jennifer Johnson Cano sings Mrs. Grose and Brenton Ryan is Peter Quint.
Die Walküre by Richard Wagner
In a broken land where rules no longer apply, Gods clash, heroes rise and music resounds with titanic magnitude. This second installment of Wagner’s Ring Cycle weaves an epic tale of forbidden love and cosmic destiny. Melly Still makes her company debut directing this company premiere. Conductor James Gaffigan returns to the podium to lead a stellar cast that includes three-time Grammy-Award winning bass-baritone Ryan Speedo Green in his role debut as Wotan. Tamara Wilson returns to sing Brünnhilde following her praiseworthy interpretation of Isolde in 2022. American tenor Jamez McCorkle makes his role and company debut as Siegmund and Lithuanian-born soprano Vida Miknevičiūtė makes her US debut as Sieglinde.
La Bohème by Giacomo Puccini
In the vibrant playground of 1920s Paris, six Bohemians come together in pursuit of connection, meaning and artistic greatness. Set in this golden age of artistic revolution, Puccini’s timeless tale of love, longing and sacrifice resonates anew. Directed by James Robinson, expect a visual feast that complements the emotional depth of a work that has captivated in every medium. Conductor Iván López-Reynoso leads an exciting cast. American soprano and former apprentice singer Sylvia D’Eramo sings Mimì, Chinese tenor Long Long is Rodolfo and Polish baritone Szymon Mechliński makes his US debut in the role of Marcello. American soprano Emily Pogorelc is Musetta and Mexican-American baritone Efraín Solís is Schaunard.
Marriage of Figaro by Wolfgang Mozart
Love, loyalty and lies can be a tricky trio. In Mozart’s hands, they’re perfectly wound into a comedy brimming with mistaken identities, youthful yearning and hilarious antics. Will Figaro keep his wife’s heart safe from the Count’s amorous advances? French director Laurent Pelly’s stylish production, set in the late 1930s just before World War II, is back by popular demand! The Santa Fe Opera is proud to present the following American debuts: Italian bass Riccardo Fassi in the title role, French baritone Florian Sempey as Count Almaviva and Spanish soprano Marina Monzó as Countess Almaviva. Former apprentice Liv Redpath will sing Susanna and Chinese mezzo-soprano Hongni Wu sings Cherubino. Music Director Harry Bicket conducts the international cast.
Tour Costs
- Guild Members: Cdn. $4,945 per person based on sharing twin accommodation.
- Non-Guild Members: Cdn. $4,995 per person based on sharing twin accommodation.
- Single supplement: $1,285 each.
- Prices quoted in this brochure are in Canadian dollars based on a full tour, and airfares and foreign exchange rates in effect at time of printing (November 2024). The Guild reserves the right to adjust the tour cost if there are substantial price changes.
Tour Includes
- Airfare between Vancouver and Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Transfers between Albuquerque and Santa Fe
- Accommodation for 7 nights at the Inn of the Governors including daily Mountain Sunrise Breakfast
- Welcome Sherry and Biscochitos
- One pre-opera buffet
- State taxes and hotel porterage
- Return transfers between the Inn of the Governors and the Santa Fe Opera House
- Five opera tickets (Section 4)
- Day excursion to Taos, its pueblo and Chimayo
- Backstage tour of the Santa Fe Opera House
- Vancouver Opera Guild Tour Director
- Cdn. $200 donation to the Vancouver Opera Guild (Cdn. $250 for non-members)
Tour Does Not Include
- Airport taxes of approximately Cdn. $255.
Tour Schedule
July 27, 2025: Vancouver-Albuquerque-Sante Fe
Early morning departure from Vancouver by Alaska Airlines to Seattle with connecting flight to Albuquerque. Bus transfer to the Inn of the Governors in Santa Fe.
Welcome Sherry and Biscochitos (New Mexico’s state cookie) on arrival.
July 28, 2025: Sante Fe
All day at leisure to start exploring Santa Fe.
July 29, 2025: Sante Fe
Morning transfer to the Opera House for a private backstage tour.
Evening transfer to the Opera House for the performance of Rigoletto.
July 30, 2025: Sante Fe
Free day with evening transfer to the Opera House for the performance of Die Walkure.
July 31, 2025: Sante Fe
Free day with evening transfer to the Opera House for the performance of The Marriage of Figaro.
August 1, 2025: Sante Fe-Taos Excursion
Day excursion to Taos and its Pueblo, considered to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the U.S. Enjoy the many shops and galleries around the historic Plaza. Return to Santa Fe via the hill villages of Panasco, Truchas and Chimayo.
Evening transfer to the Opera House for the performance of The Turn of the Screw.
August 2, 2025: Sante Fe
Free day with evening transfer to the Opera House for a pre-opera buffet dinner followed by the performance of La Boheme.
August 3, 2025: Sante Fe-Vancouver
Morning bus transfer to Albuquerque for Alaska Airlines flights to Seattle and Vancouver.
CONTACT
Elisabeth Dawson 604-922-8008
Genny MacLean 604-738-5535 / fgmaclean@shaw.ca
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
This paragraph defines our responsibility with respect to all our tours. Please read it carefully. Payment of deposit represents an acceptance by purchaser of the following terms and conditions. Great Expeditions (its owners, outfitters, agents and employees) gives notice that all arrangements for accommodation, transportation and/or all related travel services, have been made by Great Expeditions only as agent, upon the express condition that Great Expeditions shall not be liable for any injury, damage, delay, mishap, inconvenience or irregularity occasioned through the default of any company or individual engaged in providing the arranged accommodation. Great Expeditions cannot be responsible for negligent conduct or financial irresponsibility of these suppliers, since they maintain no control over them. Such passenger conveyance, hotel accommodation, etc. is subject to the laws of the state or country where provided. In addition Great Expeditions assumes no liability resulting directly or indirectly from any of the following causes: acts of God, detention, annoyance, weather, quarantines, strikes, civil disturbance, theft, government regulations, etc. over which it has no control. Great Expeditions reserves the right to substitute hotels and leaders and to alter the itinerary when deemed necessary or advisable. The right is also reserved to cancel any trip prior to departure upon the refund of all payments received, which shall release Great Expeditions from any further liability. Great Expeditions reserves the right to decline to accept or retain any person or member of any tour should such person’s actions or general deportment impede the operation of the tour or the rights or welfare or enjoyment of other members of the tour, and it is agreed a refund of the amount recovered from suppliers of unused land services is the limit of Great Expeditions’ responsibility.
CARRIER’S RESPONSIBILITY
No carrier shall have or incur any responsibility or liability to any passenger or for property accompanying passengers, except for its liability as a common carrier. In particular, Great Expeditions advises the customer that any air carrier’s liability may be limited by its tariffs, conditions of carriage and international conventions and agreements.
BC Reg. 2629
RESERVATIONS
A non-refundable deposit of Cdn. $800 per person is required at time of booking, plus insurance premium, if required. Balance of payment is due by May 30, 2025.
CANCELLATIONS
All payments are non-refundable unless space can be resold.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
We strongly recommend that tour members purchase trip cancellation/interruption insurance to protect themselves against money loss in the event of cancellation due to personal or family illness. We also offer comprehensive insurance which includes trip cancellation/interruption plus excess hospital/medical benefits, baggage and travel accident. Some exclusions for pre-existing conditions do apply. Insurance premiums are age banded. Please ask for an insurance quote at time of booking.
DOCUMENTATION
A valid passport is required.