The Santa Fe Symphony Orchestra and Chorus is Santa Fe's flagship professional musical organization. Performances are given at the Lensic Performing Arts Center in Santa Fe.
The Santa Fe Symphony Orchestra was born on September 2, 1984 at a free concert given at the St. Francis Auditorium in Santa Fe. That initial concert included a Rossini overture, Handel’s Water Music, and Beethoven's Symphony No. 2. Donations totaled $1,800, which were later supplemented by further contributions. Thus the Santa Fe Symphony Orchestra began on a very meager budget, with the musicians contributing their services either for free or a fraction of the customary rate. The Chorus of Santa Fe was founded five years earlier in 1979 and merged with the Symphony in 1986.
Gregory W. Heltman is the Symphony's Founder & General Director. Music Director & Conductor Steven Smith joined the Symphony in 2000, and Choral Director Linda Raney came on board in 1997.
The Symphony's 28th Season opens on October 9, 2011 with the 2009 American Pianists Association Fellow, Adam Golka. Mr. Golka, also winner of the 2008 Gilmore Young Artist Award, is rapidly developing a reputation as one of the most outstanding young pianists of his generation. Having performed nearly 300 concerts since taking home first prize in the 2003 China Shanghai International Piano Competition at the burgeoning age of 16, Adam Golka has enthralled audiences all over the world, and we are delighted to be able to host him this season! Coming up in November is the Symphony's acclaimed annual performance of Handel's Messiah, featuring the full Symphony Orchestra & Chorus, conducted by Steven Smith, and choral direction by Linda Raney. Joining us for this year's Messiah performance will be renowned soloists: Devon Guthrie, soprano; Lucia Cervoni, mezzo-soprano; Jorge Prego, tenor; and Bradley Ellingboe, bass-baritone.
Santa Fe Symphony Orchestra & Chorus 2011-2012 Season of Performances