Mission
Opera Southwest’s mission is to produce quality, professional, enjoyable and accessible opera in an intimate setting for audiences of all ages.
History
Founded in Albuquerque in 1972 as Albuquerque Opera Theatre by Dr. Edward T. Peter, Maestro Kurt Frederick, and other community leaders, Opera Southwest has grown into one of New Mexico’s principal performing arts organizations.
For more than half a century, Opera Southwest has brought professional opera to Albuquerque, presenting beloved works of the standard repertoire alongside rarely performed masterpieces, contemporary operas, and new American works.
The company has earned particular recognition for its commitment to rediscovering neglected operas and bringing them back to the stage. This adventurous programming reflects a conviction that opera is a living art form with an extraordinary history still waiting to be explored.
Opera Southwest is equally committed to the creation of new opera, especially works that reflect the stories and cultural traditions of New Mexico. Among its most significant productions is the 2018 world premiere of Bless Me, Ultima, based on the celebrated novel by New Mexican author Rudolfo Anaya.
Through its productions, Opera Southwest brings together outstanding local, national, and international artists, providing opportunities for emerging performers while enriching the cultural life of Albuquerque and the surrounding region.
OSW in Our Community
Opera Southwest believes that great opera should be accessible to everyone. Through its industry-leading commitment to affordability, community partnerships, and education programming, the company works to introduce new audiences to the art form and make live opera a meaningful part of life in New Mexico.
Opera Southwest’s fall-through-spring performance season complements the Santa Fe Opera’s summer festival, helping make New Mexico a destination for professional opera throughout the year.
Rooted in Albuquerque and connected to the broader world of opera, Opera Southwest is dedicated to preserving the art form’s extraordinary heritage, expanding its repertoire, and ensuring that future generations can experience the power of live opera.
