Jobs (2017). Leadership General Directors John Crosby (1957–2000) Richard Gaddes (2000–2008) Charles MacKay (2008–2018) Robert Meya (2018–present) Conductors in leadership positions John Crosby (1957–2000, de facto principal conductor) Alan Gilbert (2003–2006, Music Director) Kenneth Montgomery (2007, Acting Music Director) Edo de Waart (2007–2009, Chief Conductor) Frédéric Chaslin (2010–2012, Chief Conductor) Kenneth Montgomery (2013, Conductor Laureate) Harry Bicket (2013–2018, Chief Conductor; 2018-present, Music Director) Apprentice programs In his first season, Crosby created the Apprentice Singer Program, whereby eight young people were to be given living expenses and paid per performance to be members of the chorus and to cover (understudy) major roles. Unusual for its time in America in the 1950s, the Apprentice Singers Program helped young singers to make the transition from academic to professional life. To date, over 1,500 aspiring opera singers have participated. As Crosby noted: "In this country young artists have to do something which is impossible – gain experience. But with our plan, these young people will be scheduled in small roles and will have the opportunity of working with their older brothers and sisters who have already won their spurs. To get such experience now, a young artist has to go to Europe." The Apprentice Program for Technicians was added in 1965. The program has formal academic goals in addition to the "hands on" experience provided by the preparation for and participation in professional productions. Seminars and master classes are conducted; singers receive coaching in voice, music, body movement, career counseling, and diction. Technical apprentices are provided with instruction in stage operations, stage properties, costume and wig construction, scenic art, wigs and make up, music services, and stage lighting. The Apprentice Program for Singers and Technicians continues at The Santa Fe Opera today. Typically, about 1,000 aspiring young singers and 600 technicians apply; in 2014, 43 singers and almost 90 technical apprentices will work at the opera. The singers act as the chorus for each opera, as well as performing small roles. In addition, apprentices "cover" some leading roles, and on occasion have been known to have performed, replacing contracted singers who have been indisposed. The Technical Apprentices perform a variety of backstage functions. They are divided into five separate running crews: costumes, scenery, electrics, properties, and production/music services. These five crews perform the majority of work on the daily changeovers between the five operas of the summer season and also fill positions crucial to