Remembering Richard Gaddes

Remembering Richard Gaddes, 1942 – 2023

General Director of The Santa Fe Opera, 2001 through 2008 Seasons

It is with profound sorrow that the Santa Fe Opera bids farewell to one of its most cherished leaders and its second General Director, Richard Gaddes, who passed away on December 12, 2023. A visionary impresario, a passionate advocate for the arts and an indelible force in the world of opera, Richard leaves an enduring legacy that will resonate for generations to come.

Richard dedicated his life to the cultivation of opera talent and the enrichment of the art form. His journey with the Santa Fe Opera began in 1969 as Artistic Administrator, where his unwavering commitment to artistic excellence and innovation quickly earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues and artists alike.

Notably, his keen eye spotted the potential of soprano Kiri Te Kanawa, whom he brought to the Santa Fe Opera for her U.S. debut in 1971. He also introduced other luminaries such as conductor Edo de Waart and mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade during his tenure.

Serving as Director of the Santa Fe Opera’s Apprentice Program for Singers from 1988 to 1994, Richard returned to the company full-time in 1994, acting as Vice Chairman of the Capital Campaign for a new theater. In 1995, he became Associate General Director and in 2000 succeeded Founder John O. Crosby as General Director, holding the position until the end of the 2008 Season. He continued to elevate the Santa Fe Opera, attracting world-class talent, supporting emerging artists, making opera more accessible, and expanding engagement programs through the company’s first simulcasts and presentations of The Beggar’s Opera, The Pirates of Penzance, H.M.S. Pinafore and Noah’s Flood within the community. His programming achievements included the American premieres of Tea: A Mirror of Soul, The Tempest and L’Amour de loin, as well as unusual works such as Agrippina, Káťa Kabanová, Cendrillon and Platée, often featuring former Apprentices in major roles.

Richard’s impact extended beyond his roles at the Santa Fe Opera. In 1976, he co-founded Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, where he served as General Director until 1985. Under his leadership, the company achieved international acclaim for its commitment to developing young artists and presenting a diverse repertoire. Opera Theatre of Saint Louis became the first American opera company to be featured at the Edinburgh International Festival in 1983. Richard also served as President of the Grand Center in St. Louis, contributing to the city’s vibrant performing arts scene. His dedication to the arts earned him numerous honors and awards, including the New Mexico Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts in 2006 and the Opera Honors Award from the National Endowment for the Arts in 2008. Opera News cited him as one of the “25 Most Influential People” in the world of American opera.

The Santa Fe Opera and the global arts community acknowledge Richard Gaddes’ immeasurable contributions to the world of opera and we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and all who were touched by his extraordinary life.

His legacy lives on in the notes that continue to resonate on stages worldwide and in the hearts of those he championed and inspired.