+++
date = "2015-10-28T11:34:00-04:00"
lastmod = "2015-10-28T11:35:00-04:00"
primary_image = "https://res.cloudinary.com/schmopera/image/upload/v1545409169/media/webhook-uploads/1446046542990/OSW.jpg.jpg"
publishDate = "2015-10-28T11:35:00-04:00"
related_people = ["scene/people/anthony-barrese.md"]
slug = "opera-southwest"
title = "Opera Southwest"
type_of_company = "Opera Company"
website = "http://www.operasouthwest.org/"
+++

## Mission

Opera Southwest’s mission is to produce quality, professional, enjoyable and accessible opera in an intimate setting for audiences of all ages.

## History

Opera Southwest was founded in 1972 as Albuquerque Opera Theatre by Dr. Edward T. Peter, Maestro Kurt Frederick and others. The 2014-2015 season is Opera Southwest’s 42nd year of producing world-class opera in Albuquerque. OSW is a professional, regional company producing two to three major operas per year selected from the best of the standard repertoire. To date OSW has produced 121 major operas for nearly 256,000 patrons, and 182,000 youngsters, and we are especially proud to have mounted 23 world premieres by local composers, including original operas created especially for Albuquerque’s children. These smaller operas stress community and educational themes, and have delighted more than 180,000 youngsters with dazzling, exciting, live theatre. In this way, Opera Southwest ensures a loyal following in future years as these children grow into adulthood.

## OSW in Our Community

Opera Southwest’s outreach programs provide an invaluable service by developing free or very low-cost presentations for school children and underserved individuals or groups. OSW knows that music education not only enriches the lives of everyone, but also markedly improves children’s academic performance.

Opera Southwest produces operas from the fall through the spring, which complements the Santa Fe Opera’s summer season, thereby making New Mexico one of the few states with year-round professional opera.

Quality of life is considered an important factor by many corporations interested in relocating to our state, and OSW believes that economic development is highly dependent on the quality of life a community provides. We are proud to contribute to an educated, cultured, and economically diverse community that strives for the highest quality of life for its citizens.
