IN MEMORIAM RANDALL R. LUTZ

It is with profound sadness that the Santa Fe Opera mourns the passing of beloved friend and colleague Randall R. Lutz on January 12 after a brief and unexpected illness. Randy’s service to the opera spans 42 years, during which he worked in eight different roles including as a Scenic Carpenter, Props Run Crew Chief, Rental Manager, and since 1993, Properties Director.

A native of Pennsylvania, Randy earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Bloomsburg State College with a focus in scenic carpentry. His first summer season with the Santa Fe Opera was in 1979 and after three seasons he moved to Santa Fe full-time. He and Santa Fe Opera Founder John Crosby were personal friends and Randy was generous in sharing stories of their time working together. Randy also had film experience and worked with the Santa Fe Festival Theater. In addition to Randy’s professional mastery, he was a creative and loving soul with deeply held spiritual beliefs and served as a Priest at St. Bede’s Episcopal Church.

Randy’s artistic talents, energy, and vibrant personality will be missed by all those who had the privilege of knowing him. His eagerness to share his wisdom and encourage aspiring artisans to perfect their craft has left an indelible mark on the Santa Fe Opera and the wider opera world.

We extend our deepest and most profound sympathies to Randy’s mother Margaret Haas and other family members, his friends, and industry colleagues. The Santa Fe Opera will forever cherish Randy’s memory and his enduring legacy.

Susan F. Morris, Honorary Chairman Susan G. Marineau, Chairman David Henry Jacobs, President Robert K. Meya, General Director