_{OPERA PLACES} Simona Genga takes us to Santa Fe

City where you’re working?
Santa Fe, New Mexico.

How long are you working on contract?
I’m here May 25th to August 24th.

What’s the opera house like?
The Santa Fe Opera campus is like no other house I’ve worked in so far! Most of the rehearsal spaces are open air and partially outdoors just like the theatre. The campus is surrounded by beautiful gardens that are meticulously tended to by many volunteers, and the entire space is surrounded by the most amazing views of the mountains, which never gets old. There is a canteen for all staff that the opera company subsidizes to provide us all with an affordable lunch (I hear their Frito Pie is both delicious and only costs a mere bag of shells). Another interesting fact is that the campus uses sustainable energy sources including solar panels, that cover half of their energy usage, and rainwater reclamation for grounds maintenance. Most excitingly, they have a sunny pool which we can use when we’re not practicing or rehearsing!

Where is the most peaceful place in the city?
New Mexico is known as the Land of Enchantment. One can see why when it offers mountain views, constant birdsong, regular hummingbird sightings, golden sunsets and rose gardens. I find peace everywhere here.

Best coffee or tea?
I’ve only been to one franchise so far, so my answer is somewhat skewed toward the charming and delightful Iconik Coffee. The one on Lena street has a very cute patio to work at!

Coolest bar or restaurant you’ve been to?
There are still so many to discover still but so far some include The Pantry Rio, The French Pastry Shop, Tomasita’s and Paper Dosa, which are all local favorites and were highly recommended. However, my absolute favorite restaurant is a quiet and exclusive Italian spot with only one secluded patio seating. The pasta all’amatriciana, saffron risotto and parmigiana were all to die for and the chef is a man of many talents – fellow apprentice Mattia Venni!

An activity you have done that is unique to the area?
Purchased an oxygen canister. The altitude takes time to adjust to!

Is there something unexpected that happens locally that you discovered?
I was delighted to learn about the Zozobra festival, which has been a Santa Fe tradition since 1924. It was created by artist Will Shuster, who initially started it as a small ceremony in his backyard. Over time, it grew into a towering 50-foot effigy known as “Old Man Gloom” and its construction involved participation from the whole community. After an extravagant ceremony, Zozobra is burned each year to symbolize the purging of negativity and worries from the past. My favorite part is that people submit their personal “glooms” — such as regrets, hardships, and personal items including divorce papers, hospital gowns, etc. — to be burned inside the puppet, symbolizing the release of their burdens and the fresh start of a new year. I’d love to submit my own glooms in a future summer.

In the meantime, I’ll settle for my own handmade mini Zozobra. Its fate has yet to be determined, but I find him to be a rather cute souvenir!

How did you find accommodation?
I was told securing accommodations in Santa Fe for three months can be challenging, so I started looking as soon as I received my offer. Many housing leads came from friends and fellow artists who have done the apprenticeship in past years. Ultimately, between a lot of their help, many searches on sites like Furnished Finder, and the company’s accommodation spreadsheet, we secured a good place.

This summer, the first place my roommates and I signed a lease for, months in advance, feel through just weeks before we arrived. Luckily, we found a great place to live, all thanks to friends who I am forever grateful to for reaching out, pooling their sources, making connections, and helping us find new accommodations on the fly! It’s a testament to how artists have to always be adaptable and how amazing the opera community it.

What’s the most important thing you think of when it comes to finding accommodation as a singer?
In all places, but especially a city like Santa Fe where things are more spread out, I like to focus on finding accommodations that are ideally close to the theatre and within walking distance to basic amenities. Something that is also affordable and helps me save some earnings is also high on the list.

Have you had a chance to explore some galleries or museums?
Yes! I have been to the New Mexico History Museum, the Museum of International Folk Art, and I’ve seen the art in the New Mexico State Capitol. I hope to go to Ghost Ranch and Meow Wolf, browse the galleries on Canyon Road, and visit the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum!

Is there anything else you’d recommend?
When you visit, be sure to drink lots of water and give yourself time to adjust to the altitude and dryness! If you only have time for a short trip, take a walk around the plaza and get some jewelry from the Native American Artisans Portal Program at the Palace of the Governors. If you have more time rent a car and go on some day trips. OH! And definitely, join us for a pre-show tailgate and visit the Santa Fe Opera! (If you can’t make a show, they also have tours of the campus – it’s worth it!)