Each passing year brings with it new reasons to celebrate in Santa Fe and 2016 has been no different — with newly founded art collective [blog_link url="http://www.meowwolf.com" text="Meow Wolf's The House of Eternal Return" date="2016-05-24"] and the newly launched [blog_link url="http://santafe.org/Visiting_Santa_Fe/Self_Guided_Tours/Margarita_Trail/index.html" text="Santa Fe Margarita Trail" date="2016-05-24"]  Santa Fe, known as ‘The City Different’ for over a century, presents visitors with a range of special anniversaries this year. Here are but just a few celebrations to enjoy!

Happy Birthday Santa Fe Opera

From humble beginnings, the mighty Santa Fe Opera company grew to world-class renowned opera company. (Photo courtesy: The Guilds of the Santa Fe Opera)

From humble beginnings, the mighty Santa Fe Opera company grew to world-class renowned opera company. (Photo courtesy: The Guilds of the Santa Fe Opera, 1956)

The [blog_link url="https://www.santafeopera.org/" text="Santa Fe Opera" date="2016-05-24"] has witnessed many changes through the years. Early patrons of the Santa Fe Opera watched from open-air wooden benches on the grounds of a former guest ranch. A Time Magazine article on the 1957 Madame Butterfly opening noted: “… traffic on the big four-lane Santa Fe–Taos highway was fin to fender.” Such enthusiastic support was critical 10 years later, when early morning flames engulfed the theater. Scheduled performances took place in a school gym and a national campaign to rebuild was launched. One year later a new, improved theater opened with a comeback performance of Puccini’s Butterfly.

Fast forward to 2016, where the world-renowned Santa Fe Opera will observe its 60th anniversary by staging five new productions, including two operas that have not been performed here before. The season, running from July 1 through August 27, 2016, is filled with some of the world’s most powerful love stories. It opens with La Fanciulla del West, Puccini’s romantic portrait of the “Golden West” which tells a dramatic tale of love on America’s rugged frontier. Mozart’s classically beautiful Don Giovanni, based on the legend of the great seducer Don Juan and Samuel Barber’s twentieth-century masterpiece Vanessa both venture into the deep psychology of love defiled. Strauss’ Capriccio, philosophically examines love and art through its allegorical tale of two suitors, while Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette, the enduring operatic adaptation of Shakespeare’s immortal tragedy, plumbs the very depths of human emotion.

The Opera’s Crosby Theatre, which this year has been named the [blog_link url="http://www.fodors.com/news/photos/10-best-outdoor-music-venues-in-the-us#!3-crosby-theatre" text="#2 Best Outdoor Venue" date="2016-05-24"] in the country by Fodor’s and a [blog_link url="http://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-outdoor-music-venue/" text="Top Ten Outdoor Venue" date="2016-05-24"] in the country by USA Today 10Best Readers Awards, has been a stunning home to the vanguard of new opera works, having presented 14 world premieres and 44 U.S. premieres on its stage.

Cover photo: Igor Stravinsky on stage for "The Rake's Progress" rehearsal. (Courtesy of Santa Fe Opera. Photo: Laura Gilpin, 1957)

 

An Inn On Historic Route 66

This historical Route 66 classic inn sits on five acres of gardens adorned with patios, fountains, sculptures and pathways. (Photo courtesy of El Rey Inn)

This historical Route 66 classic inn sits on five acres of gardens adorned with patios, fountains, sculptures and pathways. (Photo courtesy of El Rey Inn)

The historic [blog_link url="http://www.elreyinnsantafe.com/" text="El Rey Inn" date="2016-05-24"] on the original Route 66 in Santa Fe will be 80 years young this year! The El Rey Inn opened in 1936 with 12 rooms. It was built in traditional northern New Mexico adobe style. In the 1950’s El Rey’s owner added rooms and enclosed the individual carports to become sleeping rooms. El Rey also had a swimming pool built, a big change that kept El Rey in step with the newer hotels in Santa Fe.

Over the years, Santa Fe has grown to surround El Rey Inn. When guests discover the quiet charm of the hotel’s grounds and buildings, they are transported back into a more peaceful time. If you love all things [blog_link url="http://www.hotel-scoop.com/retro-on-route-66-santa-fes-el-rey-inn/" text="retro" date="2016-05-24"] , this inn is for you.

 

The Compound is 18,250 Days Young

Designer Alexander Girard is credited for giving The Compound its distinctive look. (Photo courtesy of The Compound)

Designer Alexander Girard is credited for giving The Compound its distinctive look. (Photo courtesy of The Compound)

[blog_link url="http://www.compoundrestaurant.com/" text="The Compound Restaurant" date="2016-05-24"] has been known for its distinctive style and elegance since the 1960’s and will be celebrating fifty years this year. James Beard Award winning Chef and Owner Mark Kiffin has maintained a heritage rich in history and regional influences at the beautiful setting on world renowned Canyon Road.

Before its incarnation as a restaurant, this adobe home was the centerpiece of a group of houses on Canyon Road known as the McComb Compound.

In the earlier part of the 20th century, when Santa Fe was far away from the rest of the world, movie stars, industrialists, and socialites visited, where they enjoyed a secluded getaway. Eventually, Will and Barbara Houghton acquired the main house and converted it into a restaurant. It was their decision to bring in designer Alexander Girard, who gave The Compound Restaurant its distinctive look. The Compound is a 2015 OpenTable Diner’s Choice winner that serves lunch Monday through Saturday and dinner nightly. Bar seating is available for lighter fare or a full menu. Menus feature fresh, seasonal ingredients complemented by timeless Compound classic dishes.

 

Turner Carroll Gallery Is 25 Years Old

Photo courtesy of USA Today

Photo courtesy of USA Today

Turner Carroll Gallery celebrates 25 years this year in representing important international contemporary art in The City Different. The vision of the gallery since its inception has been to source significant artwork of our era from diverse areas of the world. The gallery is constantly considering the new international art movements/developments which presuppose historical significance, and the gallery owners travel extensively to curate exhibitions for the gallery from other parts of the world. In honor of their anniversary, the gallery will hold events throughout 2016 in honor of organizations they wish to recognize and support!

To date, the gallery has featured important contemporary exhibitions from Romania, Ireland, France, Russia and Mexico. The gallery also actively pursues museum acquisitions, exhibitions, publishing and other opportunities on an international level for our artists.

 

Feliz Cumpleaños (Happy Birthday) Pippin Contemporary!

The gallery features the contemporary works of 18 artists. (Photo courtesy of Pippin Contemporary)

The gallery features the contemporary works of 18 artists. (Photo courtesy of Pippin Contemporary)

This month [blog_link url="https://pippincontemporary.com/" text="Pippin Contemporary" date="2016-05-24"] turns five years old. The gallery is located on Canyon Road—which has been home to artists for over a century and is considered one of the iconic streets in America.

The gallery, founded by abstract artist Aleta Pippin, shows work that is fresh and vibrant, as well as collectible. Featured works range from abstract paintings in vibrant colors to stone, metal and glass, bronze, and kinetic sculpture providing visitors with "a sensory experience of color and mood.”

 

Nambé Is 65 Years Old

Nambé has three retail locations located in Santa Fe. (Photo courtesy of Nambé) Nambé has three retail locations located in Santa Fe. (Photo courtesy of Nambé)

[blog_link url="http://www.nambe.com/about-us.html" text="Nambé" date="2016-05-24"] was founded by Pauline Cable in 1951 near the Nambé Pueblo in Northern New Mexico. Recognized for award-winning designs over the last 65 years, their pieces have been exhibited in renowned galleries and museums around the world. Nambé’s commitment to timeless beauty, artistic integrity and uncompromising quality is evident in their collection of serveware, barware, home décor and gift items.

Pieces are made with Nambé alloy— a unique blend of 8 different metals which is thermal retentive, so it can be heated up or chilled down.It is an alloy that never tarnishes chips or fades—making it ideal for everyday use. With three retail locations in Santa Fe, you’re sure to find the perfect piece for your household.

We invite you to celebrate with us this year. To start planning your trip to Santa Fe, order the free [blog_link url="http://santafe.org/Visitors_Guide/index.html" text="2016 Santa Fe travel guide" date="2016-05-24"] and get inspired by The City Different offerings. Be sure to check out our [blog_link url="http://santafe.org/Visiting_Santa_Fe/Specials/" text="Deals and Specials" date="2016-05-24"] page, which includes special offers on lodging, meals, and shopping!