2023 Santa Fe Desert Chorale Season Event Brochure

Photo: Tira Howard Photography

“The Santa Fe Desert Chorale [is] a top-notch, 24-voice group… comprising the crème de la crème of professional choral singers from coast to coast…”

— Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News

WELCOME TO OUR 41ST SEASON!

We are thrilled to share the beauty and power of great choral music with you again this year! Join us in the heart of New Mexico for our annual Summer Festival, one of the largest choral events in the nation, featuring three all-new inspiring programs. Save the date for our upcoming community events and festivities. Plus, secure your tickets now for our beloved holiday concert this December.

If you can’t make it to Santa Fe this year, you can still enjoy our concerts from home with our high-quality video recordings, available to rent individually or as part of our streaming service Desert Chorale TV.

We can’t wait to sing for you!

PROGRAM SPONSORS

Catherine and Guy Gronquist

CONDUCTOR

Joshua Habermann

Artistic Director

Sponsored by Carmen Paradis and Brian McGrath

the TUDORS the MEDICI &

Right photo: Frank Boston

Experience the Drama and Grandeur of Renaissance Europe

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.

Sunday, July 16, 2023 | 4 pm

Sponsored by Phyllis Lehmberg

Friday, July 28, 2023 | 7:30 pm

Thursday, August 3, 2023 | 7:30 pm

Sponsored by Dmitri Bovaird and Maggie Edmondson in loving memory of Nina Hinson Rasmussen and Dr. Prescott C. Rasmussen

All concerts will be held at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi.

CONDUCTOR

Joshua Habermann

Artistic Director

Sponsored by Carmen Paradis and Brian McGrath

the AMERICAN IMMIGRANT EXPERIENCE

Sonnet “The New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus, 1883. “Haven to Home” at the Library of Congress. Right photo: Hoptocopter

Rich and Complex Stories from Our Nation’s Newcomers

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.

Sunday, July 23, 2023 | 4 pm

Saturday, July 29, 2023 | 7:30 pm

Friday, August 4, 2023 | 7:30 pm

Sponsored by Roxanne Howe-Murphy and James Murphy

All concerts will be held at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi.

PROGRAM SPONSOR

Suzanne Timble

CONDUCTOR

Joshua Habermann

Two Glorious Collaborations that Will Keep You on the Edge of Your Seat

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. First, Dixit Dominus showcases 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.

We then continue into 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.”

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.

Thursday, July 27, 2023 | 7:30 pm

Sponsored by Sara J. McKenzie

Sunday, July 30, 2023 | 4 pm

Saturday, August 5, 2023 | 7:30 pm

All concerts will be held at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi.

UNDERWRITTEN BY Mary and Phil

Delk

in loving memory of Joel Brauer

CONDUCTOR

Joshua Habermann

Artistic Director

CANDLELIGHT CAROLS

Right photo: Anastassiya

Catch a Glimpse of Snow and Evergreen this Holiday Season

Join in the festive Santa Fe holiday tradition of the Desert Chorale’s annual winter choral concert. This year’s program, A Glimpse of Snow and Evergreen, is filled with carols honoring the beauty of our winter mountain landscape and the traditions we keep at that special time of the year. Come wrap yourself up in the warm and joyous sounds of the season, featuring 24 of the best ensemble singers in the nation.

Saturday, December 9, 2023 | 7 pm

Sunday, December 10, 2023 | 4 pm Immanuel Presbyterian Church, Albuquerque

Friday, December 15, 2023 | 7 pm

Sunday, December 17, 2023 | 4 pm

Tuesday, December 19, 2023 | 7 pm

Wednesday, December 20, 2023 | 7 pm

Thursday, December 21, 2023 | 7 pm

Friday, December 22, 2023 | 7 pm Sponsored by Patricia Stanley in memory of Bob Roach

All concerts will be held at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi unless otherwise noted.

SATURDAY

MAY 6, 2023 at 8:30 am

The United Church of Santa Fe

UNDERWRITTEN BY Stephen and Jane Hochberg

Adults: $25

Students: $5 (middle school through college)

Scan here to register for Santa Fe Sings!

6TH ANNUAL SANTA FE SINGS!

Santa Fe’s Annual Choral Workshop Returns!

First produced by the Desert Chorale in 2016, this special workshop draws participants ranging in age from eighth graders to octogenarians from across northern New Mexico, singing together under the direction of Desert Chorale Artistic Director Joshua Habermann. Singers of all backgrounds are invited to come cultivate their love for singing and nurture their confidence as they create music together. The event will conclude with a free showcase for friends and family.

Planned repertoire (subject to change):

G.F. Handel: Ombra Mai Fu

John Dowland: Come Again, Sweet Love Doth Now Invite

William Byrd: Ave Verum Corpus

Craig Hella Johnson: Requiem Gilkyson

Spiritual, arr. Habermann: Motherless Child

Tickets on sale now! For more information visit desertchorale.org/sfsings or call (505) 988-2282.

Photo: Zina Jundi

WEDNESDAY

AUGUST 2, 2023 at 4 pm

St. Bede’s Episcopal Church

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.

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT RECITAL

Photo: Caitlin Oldham

Chelsea Helm Soprano

Photo: Darshae Spells

Marques Jerrell Ruff Bass-baritone

Photo: Gary Payne

Angela Young Smucker Mezzo-soprano

Photo: Evangeline Hodge

Nathan Salazar Piano

Photo: Tira Howard Photography

SPONSORED BY Allegra and Jim Derryberry

GALA SPECTACULAR THURSDAY

JULY 20, 2023 at 6 pm

Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe

Celebrate with us this summer during our annual gala spectacular. The evening will include a splendid cocktail hour, an elegant dinner, and a special performance by the Desert Chorale.

Tickets and more information will be available soon! Check our website for updates.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Photos on this page, bottom right, and back cover: Tira Howard Photography

INSIGHTS & SOUNDS

TUESDAY

AUGUST 1, 2023

from 9 am to 3 pm

Location TBD

Join us for a day full of interdisciplinary dialogue through the lens of choral music.

After a successful inaugural year, the Desert Chorale’s Insights & Sounds Symposium returns this summer. The event will feature three sessions, each combining a discussion and musical selections from Desert Chorale artists to reflect the three 2023 Summer Festival programs. Panelist and topic selections are in progress and will engage a wide swath of the Santa Fe community.

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CAROLS & COCKTAILS THURSDAY

DECEMBER 14, 2023

Location TBD

Celebrate the magic of the holiday season with your Desert Chorale. Mingle and sing along with our artists during a festive cocktail soirée.

More details coming soon!

Photo: Samuel Speer