The Santa Fe Desert Chorale brings together 24 of the top professional ensemble singers in the country to sing under the direction of Artistic Director Joshua Habermann, who is celebrating his 15th year in the role.
The Desert Chorale’s annual Summer Festival - one of the largest choral events in the nation - will include three new concert programs: The Tudors and the Medici, The American Immigrant Experience, and The Ecstasies Above. There will also be an afternoon of solo performances by three of the Chorale’s vocalists during their Artist Spotlight Recital on August 2nd. Tickets and more information can be found at desertchorale.org.
Experience the drama and grandeur of Renaissance Europe
Sunday, July 16th at 4 pm
Friday, July 28th at 7:30 pm
Thursday, August 3rd at 7:30 pm
Step back in time into the extravagant and dramatic world of two of the wealthiest families of the Renaissance. These two European dynasties left a substantial imprint on the cultural landscape with their patronage and brought to fruition some of the greatest artistic achievements of their time. Sixteen Desert Chorale singers accompanied by period instruments will perform works fit for Queen Elizabeth’s court by composers such as Thomas Tallis and William Byrd. Songs written by King Henry VIII himself will also make an appearance. The splendor continues with a musical reenactment from one of the most spectacular weddings in Italian history, including works from opera’s founding father Jacopo Peri. Come and experience compelling stories of political intrigue and extraordinary music interwoven in this tour of London, Florence, and beyond.
The American Immigrant Experience
Songs and stories from our nation’s newcomers
Sunday, July 16th at 4 pm
Friday, July 28th at 7:30 pm
Thursday, August 3rd at 7:30 pm
The unique musical language of the United States is rooted in the songs brought to her shores by successive waves of immigrants. Listeners will embark on a musical journey that explores how their contributions have influenced and defined our country’s music, and given us the rich tapestry of American song. Combining the power of the spoken word with choral music, the full 24 voices of the Desert Chorale and collaborative pianist Nathan Salazar give voice to the complex stories of uncertainty and hope from those moving from one home to another. This program will also feature the world premiere of Northland, a piece written especially for the Desert Chorale by the GRAMMY-nominated composer Kile Smith. The text of this new work consists of four poems by Harlem Renaissance writer Claude McKay (1890-1948) in which he wrestles with his own immigrant experience.
Glorious back-to-back collaborations that will keep you on the edge of your seat
Thursday, July 27th at 7:30 pm
Sunday, July 30th at 4 pm
Saturday, August 5th at 7:30 pm
Prepare to be transported by two virtuosic works for strings and voices from the celebrated George Frideric Handel and award-winning living composer Tarik O’Regan. The program opens with O’Regan’s work, The Ecstasies Above, which is a setting of Edgar Allen Poe’s poem “Israfel,” describing an angel whose “heart strings are a lute, and who possesses the sweetest voice of all God’s creatures.” We then continue into Dixit Dominus, showcasing Handel at his most Italianate with exciting ornamentation and rhythmic drive. Several Desert Chorale artists step out of the full ensemble texture for impressive solos throughout the piece. A chamber orchestra joins the 24 voices of the Chorale for this masterful program filled with musical acrobatics and ethereal soundscapes you won’t forget.
Wednesday, August 2nd at 4 pm
St. Bede’s Episcopal Church
This solo voice concert is sure to be the happiest hour of your week
Our professional singers not only blend seamlessly in an ensemble—they also shine on the solo stage! Three of your favorite Desert Chorale artists come together for an art song recital with collaborative pianist Nathan Salazar in the intimate, surround-sound setting of St. Bede’s Episcopal Church. Sneak out of the office early and treat yourself to an afternoon filled with profound poetry and soaring melodies.
Photos: Tira Howard Photography