One Day. Three Presenters. Five Operas.

Opera InSight offers an illuminating look at each season’s productions, with special focus on directors’ choices and musical interpretation. By exploring the psychological themes of the narrative and focusing on this season’s works, the program reveals how opera reflects the human condition, from its foibles and triumphs to its loves, vendettas, dilemmas and humor.

For the first time, live singing is woven throughout the program, bringing key moments to life and enriching the conversation. Opera InSight offers a compelling way to experience opera and deepen your enjoyment of the season.

The 2026 Festival Season includes Puccini’s Madama Butterfly and Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin, two timeless tragedies of love found and lost; Mozart’s The Magic Flute, rich with beauty and trials of the heart; Handel’s Rodelinda, a 1725 melodrama of passion and intrigue that rivals modern film noir; and the American premiere of Tobias Picker’s Lili Elbe, a moving portrayal of a transgender protagonist’s transition.

Whether you are new to opera or a longtime patron seeking fresh insight, Opera InSight provides an engaging introduction and a deeper appreciation of these works. Which operas will inspire you this season? Opera InSight can help launch your journey.

When: Friday June 26, 2026
Morning Session: 9 am – 12 pm
Afternoon Session: 1:45 pm – 4:45 pm
Where: University of New Mexico, Hodgin Hall, in the Bobo room
1889 Central Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106
Presenters: Don Fineberg, Olga Perez Flora, Jamie Flora
Cost: $125 per person. Includes 8:30 am morning coffee bar and full-day access.

PRESENTERS:
Don Fineberg is a psychiatrist. His presentations focus on a variety of topics related to clinical practice, education, and the arts, especially opera. For years he has given pre-performance talks for the Santa Fe Opera. He has led Opera and Psychology seminars for more than 20 years. For the last five festival seasons, his Opera InSight video series has appeared on the Santa Fe Opera website.  In 2026, Opera InSight returns to a live format, including live performances, to enhance your anticipation of your opera experience by taking an even deeper dive into opera’s musical and psychological themes.

Olga Perez Flora, Cuban-American mezzo-soprano, earns praise for both for her “smoky toned” voice, as celebrated by Opera News, as well as her role as a dedicated music educator. She currently serves as Associate Professor of Voice and Head of the Voice Area at the University of New Mexico. With expertise and passion, she nurtures the next generation of vocal artists. Renowned for her compelling portrayal of Carmen, Dr. Flora brings depth, passion, and charisma to every stage she graces. She has appeared with opera companies and symphonies both nationally and internationally, including her 2026 Carnegie Hall debut as the mezzo-soprano soloist in Mozart’s Coronation Mass. Along with tenor James Flora, Dr. Flora recently released a debut album, Canciones de mi Corazón, a celebration of Cuban classical repertoire.

James Flora, celebrated American tenor and voice educator, has been hailed for his “resonant, impeccably trained voice and fearless singing.” His acclaimed repertoire ranges from Verdi and Wagner to works by Carlisle Floyd and beyond. James serves as Assistant Professor of Voice at the University of New Mexico. Many of his students sing in young artist programs like Houston Grand Opera Studio and the Santa Fe Opera Apprentice Program for Singers. James has sung with the Metropolitan Opera Chorus under Maestro Donald Palumbo in recent productions of Die Meistersinger von Nürenberg and Fidelio. He will sing the role of Dick Johnson in Livermore Valley Opera’s 35th Anniversary production of La Fanciulla del West.

For more information, contact Koppany Pusztai at kpusztai@santafeopera.org

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