Founded in 1956 north of Santa Fe, Santa Fe Opera became a distinctive American summer festival company under conductor John Crosby, who sought a repertory setting where singers could learn roles with substantial rehearsal time. Since opening in 1957, it has presented rotating summer seasons that mix standard works with rarities, premieres, and notable American first productions, building an international reputation for new opera. Training has remained central through its apprentice programs for singers and technicians, which launched many major careers. Its west-facing mesa theaters, known for sunset and storm views, are also central to the company’s identity.