History of the Santa Fe Desert Chorale

2009 marks the 27th anniversary of performances in northern New Mexico by the Santa Fe Desert Chorale, one of the premier professional chamber choirs in the United States, and the debut of the Chorale’s fourth music director Joshua C. Habermann. Each summer, and again during the December holiday season, some of the finest singers from around the country come to Santa Fe to perform works from the rich choral tradition. Our audience consists of a mix of New Mexico residents as well as national and international visitors. Each year we present to nearly 10,000 adults and children – 70 percent of whom are New Mexicans. The Santa Fe Desert Chorale received the 2006 Mayor’s Recognition Award for Excellence in the Arts.

The Desert Chorale mainly performs a cappella (without accompaniment) and is renowned for its rich sound, seamless blend and wide-ranging programming, having performed more than 2000 compositions by some 500 composers, spanning nine centuries of music. Founder Lawrence Bandfield conducted the first season in 1983 and continued as Music Director until 1998. The values that he established sustain the Desert Chorale today: diverse repertory performed by quality, professional musicians; an intimate rapport with audience members and donors; and strong relationships with the community of northern New Mexico – as evidenced by regular performances outside Santa Fe; tours of historic churches; and collaborations with Santa Fe New Music, Santa Fe Opera, Santa Fe Symphony and others.

The Santa Fe Desert Chorale’s recordings are broadcast nationally, frequently on NPR’s Performance Today. Our newest CD, Glorious Voices, Sacred Spaces, was recorded this summer at the Cathedral Basilica of St Francis by 24 members of the Chorale under the inspired leadership of guest conductor Simon Carrington. The CD catalog includes seven titles conducted by Linda Mack, Music Director from 2004-2007, four titles conducted by Dennis Shrock, Artistic Director from 1999-2003, and one early recording from Mr. Bandfield’s tenure.

Since 2002 the Desert Chorale Children’s Choir has provided an opportunity for children ages 8 to 14 to grow together in their love of music and singing. Public performance is an important component of the program, and each season the children make many appearances in a variety of venues throughout Santa Fe and in special programs with the Santa Fe Opera and the Santa Fe Symphony. In August 2008 the Desert Chorale’s General Director, Don Scott Carpenter, took over the musical leadership of the Children’s Choir.