Opera impresario, Conductor. Founder and first general director of the Santa Fe Opera in Santa Fe, New Mexico. In 1956, he founded the Santa Fe Opera with the goal of creating an intimate, outdoor summer festival that would present a diverse range of repertoire, including both standard and contemporary works. Under his leadership, the Santa Fe Opera quickly gained a reputation for its adventurous programming and high-quality productions. Crosby also played a key role in the development of the company's distinctive open-air theater, which features a unique architectural design and a natural amphitheater setting. He was born in New York City and grew up in a musical family. After serving in the Navy during World War II, Crosby began his career as a radio and television producer, and was a pioneer in the field of live television opera productions. Crosby was known for his vision and passion for opera, and for his commitment to fostering young talent. He worked with many of the leading artists of his time, was instrumental in launching the careers of many young singers. He also introduced a number of innovative programs and initiatives, including the company's apprentice program for young singers and the Opera Theater for Youth. Crosby served as the general director of the Santa Fe Opera for 25 seasons, until his retirement in 1981. He was particularly devoted to the operas of Richard Strauss, and programmed almost all of his works during his tenure.
Opera impresario, Conductor. Founder and first general director of the Santa Fe Opera in Santa Fe, New Mexico. In 1956, he founded the Santa Fe Opera with the goal of creating an intimate, outdoor summer festival that would present a diverse range of repertoire, including both standard and contemporary works. Under his leadership, the Santa Fe Opera quickly gained a reputation for its adventurous programming and high-quality productions. Crosby also played a key role in the development of the company's distinctive open-air theater, which features a unique architectural design and a natural amphitheater setting. He was born in New York City and grew up in a musical family. After serving in the Navy during World War II, Crosby began his career as a radio and television producer, and was a pioneer in the field of live television opera productions. Crosby was known for his vision and passion for opera, and for his commitment to fostering young talent. He worked with many of the leading artists of his time, was instrumental in launching the careers of many young singers. He also introduced a number of innovative programs and initiatives, including the company's apprentice program for young singers and the Opera Theater for Youth. Crosby served as the general director of the Santa Fe Opera for 25 seasons, until his retirement in 1981. He was particularly devoted to the operas of Richard Strauss, and programmed almost all of his works during his tenure.
Bio by: Neil Funkhouser
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See more Crosby memorials in:
Records on Ancestry
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U.S., Newspapers.com™ Obituary Index, 1800s-current
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U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947
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New York, U.S., Arriving Passenger and Crew Lists (including Castle Garden and Ellis Island), 1820-1957
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U.S., Veterans' Gravesites, ca.1775-2019
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U.S., Cemetery and Funeral Home Collection, 1847-Current
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