Opera on the Rocks in 2012 at Bandelier National Monument. Courtesy/LAOG

LAOG News:

Enjoy an exciting night of opera at Bandelier National Monument during the second annual Opera on the Rocks event, Saturday Sept. 21.

Opera Alta will perform Amahl and the Night Visitors at 6:15 p.m. at the Juniper Campground Amphitheater. This opera was originally created by the composer Gian Carlo Menotti for NBC making it the first opera written entirely for television. The event is an opportunity for those not familiar with opera, as well as for opera enthusiasts to enjoy listening in a special venue.   

Hosts of the event include the Los Alamos Opera Guild, Guilds of the Santa Fe Opera, Opera Alta, Bandelier National Monument, and the Los Alamos Commerce Development Corporation. Transportation is provided to and from the venue by Los Alamos Atomic City Transit. Don Quixote Distillery & Winery and Black Mesa Winery will feature local wines prior to the performance. 

“The National Park Service’s mission involves cooperating with partners to extend the benefits of cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation for this and future generations. We are proud to partner with the opera guilds to promote this form of music to monument visitors and members of the community,” Bandelier Superintendent Jason Lott said. 

Beginning at 5 p.m., participants must pick-up the Los Alamos Atomic City Transit from either the White Rock Visitor Center or Los Alamos Sullivan Field. Parking is not available at the Juniper Campground Amphitheater. An introduction to the evening’s performance will be a part of the shuttle ride, offered by members of the Los Alamos Opera Guild and Guilds of the Santa Fe Opera. 

Once guests arrive at Bandelier, they will have the opportunity to participate in a complimentary wine tasting hosted by Don Quixote Distillery & Winery and Black Mesa Winery, glasses and bottles are available for purchase. Following a brief introduction at 6:15 p.m. the performance of Amahl and the Night Visitors begins around 6:45 p.m., coordinated by local opera singer Alicia Soloman, accompanied by pianist Brian Huysman. 

Shuttles will transport guests until 9 p.m., back to their vehicles after the performance.

This is a special event with all monument entrance fees waived. Tickets for the opera can be purchased online at bit.ly/BANDopera. Prices are $12 per person or $30 family rate (up to four.) Price reduced for opera guild members. Admission to the opera is free for those camping at the Juniper Campground.