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John CrosbyAmerican musician, conductor and artistic administrator
Date of Birth: 12.07.1926
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Biography of John Crosby
- Introduction to Opera
- The Birth of Santa Fe Opera
- The Vision and Principles of Santa Fe Opera
- Accomplishments and Legacy
- The John Crosby Theatre
Biography of John Crosby
Early Life and EducationJohn Crosby was born on July 12, 1926, in Bronxville, New York. He initially had aspirations of becoming a lawyer or a pilot, but his passion for music led him to study composition at Yale University under Paul Hindemith. He graduated from Yale with a degree in music in 1950.
Introduction to Opera
After graduating, Crosby spent a few months as an assistant arranger for Broadway musicals. He then pursued a graduate degree at Columbia University from 1951 to 1955. During his time at Columbia, he developed a love for opera, regularly attending performances at the Metropolitan Opera and working as an accompanist assistant for Dr. Leopold Sachse, a former artistic director of the Hamburg State Opera.
The Birth of Santa Fe Opera
In 1951, Crosby saw Alfred Lunt's production of "Cosi fan tutte," which deeply impressed him and influenced the development of his future opera concept. The inaugural season of the Santa Fe Opera took place in 1957, with Crosby meticulously planning and receiving support from Dr. Sachse, who was meant to be the artistic director of the new theater.
The Vision and Principles of Santa Fe Opera
Crosby insisted on several non-negotiable principles for the opera company. All operas had to be performed in English to make them more accessible to the audience. He also emphasized the importance of production, costumes, and lighting, in addition to the performances themselves. The core of the new company consisted of 13 young performers, all between the ages of 20 and 30, and Crosby introduced an apprenticeship system that revolutionized the American opera scene.
Accomplishments and Legacy
Over his tenure as general director, Crosby achieved remarkable success. From 1957 to 2005, the Santa Fe Opera presented 135 operas, including 11 world premieres and 41 American premieres. Renowned artists such as Kiri Te Kanawa, Bryn Terfel, Jerry Hadley, and Dawn Upshaw graced the stage of the Santa Fe Opera. Crosby retired in 2000 but returned in 2002 to conduct "La traviata." He passed away on December 15, 2002, in Rancho Mirage, California.
The John Crosby Theatre
In honor of his legacy, the third theater of the opera complex, which opened in 1998, was named the John Crosby Theatre after his death.
