Night at the opera — such a wonderful time
Oh, what a beginning to the summer season for the Santa Fe Opera. There’s the thrill of opening night, with Candide being offered, along with all the excitement that comes with the launch of a season. Tonight also marks the beginning of the end of an era — opera General Director Charles MacKay is stepping down at the end of the 2018 summer season.
Ten years at the helm, MacKay’s tenure was marked by artistic excellence as well as financial success in a time when many other companies struggled. He deserves rest, we are sure, and can set off for the next adventure confident that he helped improve the company he loves so much. MacKay’s departure was announced last year, and Robert K. Meya was chosen as his successor earlier this year. All is in order for a smooth transition.
As only the third general director in the opera’s history, MacKay returned in 2008 to the place that started it all for him. He began playing the French horn at 18 for a production of Der Rosenkavalier. He was orchestra assistant, too, during the company’s first season at its new theater, the one built after a fire destroyed the original opera house.
The Santa Fe High graduate remains thrilled that a “local boy” such as himself gained opportunity with one of the world’s finest opera companies. All told, MacKay worked 20 years at the opera — 10 early in his career and 10 as general director. He played in the horn section, worked backstage and as box office manager, among other tasks.
Always, he was curious, asked questions and worked hard, taking advantage of this world-class opportunity. His trajectory should inspire all Santa Fe kids who look at the opera house on the hill and dream. From Santa Fe, MacKay went on to work at the Spoleto Festival USA and the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis before returning home.
He took over on Oct. 1, 2008, only to see the stock market crash two days later. That translated to drops in contributions and losses in the endowment funds, causing MacKay and his staff to work long hours balancing the budget. He kept the place solvent and, over the years, helped ensure that it thrived.
The opera’s net assets nearly doubled from $61 million when MacKay took the helm to some $118 million today. The annual budget has increased from around $16 million then to $24 million today. A capital campaign to cover the cost of the opera house’s recent renovation and expansion is close to its $45 million goal.
Best of all for sustainability, audience members still love the Santa Fe Opera. Other companies around the nation are losing bodies in the seats. Ticket sales remain strong in Santa Fe. Outreach programs include many locals, too, whether children, first-time operagoers or members of Pueblo communities. This is an opera that welcomes all.
On top of those achievements, McKay has had significant artistic successes as well, presenting both classics and intriguing new offerings.
There were five world premieres with two, Jennifer Higdon’s Cold Mountain and Mason Bates’ The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs recorded live for commercial CDs. The sounds of Santa Fe have been preserved and are being heard around the world.
Tonight, the 2018 summer season opens with Bernstein’s Candide, an operetta based on Voltaire’s novella.
There will be celebrations at the tailgate parties in the parking lot. There will be splendid singing onstage and outstanding music wafting up from the orchestra. The audience will be enthralled, we are sure.
Overseeing it all will be Charles MacKay, at his last opening night as general director. May this season be as superb as his 10 years in charge.