Santa Fe Desert Chorale’s 2023 Summer Festival brings together 24 of the top ensemble singers in the country to sing under the direction of Artistic Director Joshua Habermann, who is celebrating his 15th year in the role. Catch three different concert programs running July 16-August 5 that includes everything from timeless choral classics to the world premiere of a newly commissioned piece, composed by GRAMMY-nominated composer Kile Smith. Tickets and more information can be found at desertchorale.org.
The Tudors and the Medici
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 16th at 4 pm
Friday, July 28th at 7:30 pm
Thursday, August 3rd at 7:30 pm
The American Immigrant Experience
Songs and 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. 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.
Sunday, July 23rd at 4 pm
Saturday, July 29th at 7:30 pm
Friday, August 4th at 7:30 pm
The Ecstasies Above
Glorious back-to-back 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. 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.
Thursday, July 27th at 7:30 pm
Sunday, July 30th at 4 pm
Saturday, August 5th at 7:30 pm
131 Cathedral Place
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501
United States
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