
Apprentice Scenes & Concert
The Next Generation … Center Stage
The opera’s singing and technical apprentices take the mainstage spotlight for two unique evenings of staged scenes. These evenings are fun-filled “sampler boxes” of operatic styles. They are a great introduction to opera and a great value for families to enjoy an evening out. They are the perfect opportunity to experience the future of opera – now.
The opera’s singing and technical apprentice programs have launched numerous distinguished careers, including singers William Burden, Joyce DiDonato, Michael Fabiano, Brandon Jovanovich, Kate Lindsey, Samuel Ramey, Susanna Phillips and technicians Ruth E. Carter, Alex Davila, B.R. Delaney, Jennifer Good, Rupert Hemmings, Aja Jackson and Jeffrey Mace to name a few.
AUGUST 10
Apprentices will present costumed and staged scenes with piano accompaniment.
AUGUST 17
Apprentices will present a concert with the Santa Fe Opera Orchestra.

Kathleen Clawson
Stage Director (August 10)
Kathleen Clawson
Hometown: Albuquerque, NM
2025 Season:
Stage Director, Apprentice Scenes (August 10)
SFO Debut:
Mother Jeanne, Dialogues of the Carmelites, 1999
Past Seasons:
Stage Director, Apprentice Scenes, 2024
Stage Director, Apprentice Scenes, 2023
Stage Director, Apprentice Scenes, 2022
Stage Director, Apprentice Scenes, 2021
Stage Director, Apprentice Scenes, 2019
Stage Director, Apprentice Scenes, 2018
Stage Director, Apprentice Scenes, 2017
Stage Director, Apprentice Scenes, 2016
Stage Director, Apprentice Scenes, 2015
Stage Director, Apprentice Scenes, 2014
Stage Director, Apprentice Scenes, 2013
Stage Director, Apprentice Scenes, 2012
Stage Director, Apprentice Scenes, 2011
Stage Director, Apprentice Scenes, 2010
Stage Director, Apprentice Scenes, 2009
Stage Director, Apprentice Scenes, 2008
Stage Director, Apprentice Scenes, 2007
Stage Director, Apprentice Scenes, 2006
Stage Director, Apprentice Scenes, 2005
Stage Director, Apprentice Scenes, 2004
Stage Director, Apprentice Scenes, 2003
Stage Director, Apprentice Scenes, 2002
Larina, Eugene Onegin, 2002 (July 30 – August 22)

Melanie Bacaling
Stage Director (August 10)
Melanie Bacaling
Hometown: Chicago, IL
2025 Season:
Stage Director, Apprentice Scenes (August 10)
Past Seasons:
Stage Director, Apprentice Scenes, 2021

Iván López Reynoso
Conductor (August 17)
Iván López Reynoso
Hometown: Guanajuato, Mexico
2025 Season:
La bohème
Apprentice Concert (August 17)
US & SFO Debut:
The Barber of Seville, 2022

Patricia Racette
Stage Director (August 17)
Patricia Racette
Hometown: Manchester, NH
2025 Season:
Stage Director, Apprentice Scenes (August 17)
SFO Debut:
Emmeline, Emmeline, 1996
Past Seasons:
Stage Director, Apprentice Scenes, 2021
Kostelnička Buryjovka, Jenůfa, 2019
Minnie, La Fanciulla del West, 2016
Leslie Crosbie, The Letter, 2009
Liù, Turandot, 2005 (August 2 – 27)
Amelia, Simon Boccanegra, 2004 (July 31 – August 28)
Kátya Kabanová, Kátya Kabanová, 2003
Tatyana, Eugene Onegin, 2002
Violetta, La traviata, 2002 (August 2)
Blanche de la Force, Dialogues of the Carmelites, 1999
Violetta, La traviata, 1997
