Opera Southwest

About Opera Southwest Opera Southwest, also known as OSW, is a professional regional opera company based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Founded in 1972 by Dr. Edward T. Peter, Maestro Kurt Frederick, and a group of opera enthusiasts, the company was initially named Albuquerque Opera Theatre. Celebrating its 50th anniversary in the 2022-23 season, Opera Southwest has established itself as a significant cultural institution in the region, dedicated to producing quality, professional, enjoyable, and accessible opera performances. With a mission to bring opera to audiences of all ages in an intimate setting, Opera Southwest has produced over 120 major operas, reaching hundreds of thousands of patrons. The company is particularly proud of its commitment to new works, having premiered 23 world operas, including one based on Rudolfo Anaya’s novel "Bless Me, Ultima" in February 2018. Opera Southwest's emphasis on community engagement and education is evident through its outreach programs, which have reached more than 180,000 children. These programs provide free or low-cost presentations to school children and underserved communities, with a firm belief in the power of music education to enrich lives and improve academic performance. The company operates mainly from fall through spring, complementing the Santa Fe Opera's summer season and making New Mexico one of the few states to offer year-round professional opera. Opera Southwest's contributions to the local community are not limited to the arts but also extend to economic development, as it plays a role in enhancing the quality of life—a factor considered crucial by corporations looking to relocate to New Mexico. Opera Southwest’s leadership includes a board and artistic staff who oversee the company's direction and productions. They also offer employment opportunities, auditions, and an apprentice program for those seeking to further their careers in opera. The organization encourages community support through various societies and donation programs, such as the Encore Society, Ruby Society, and Artist Housing and Vehicle Loans. For more information or to support Opera Southwest, interested parties can visit their website, where they can also find details about past productions, news, reviews, and photos of OSW events.