Santa Fe Desert Chorale

            2007 marks the Santa Fe Desert Chorale’s silver anniversary. Founded in 1982 the Santa Fe Desert Chorale is one of the premier professional choral ensembles in the United States. There is no other music festival – certainly not in this country – devoted exclusively to choral music that surpasses the Desert Chorale’s annual two seasons in virtuosity of performance and programming breadth.

              Each summer and during the December holiday season 20 of the most glorious voices from around the country come to Santa Fe to perform timeless music from the rich choral literature - as well as programs of lighter genres - in some of the most beautiful and historic sites in New Mexico’s enchanted landscape. While about 70 percent of concert attendees are area residents, the balance consists of visitors from across the country and around the world.

The Desert Chorale’s recording catalogue includes 10 CDs: Live from Loretto Chapel, Christmas in Santa Fe, Passion, A Celebration of Hispanic Music, and Harmony of the Heavens, all led by Linda Mack, the present Music Director and Conductor; Journeys of the Spirit, Transcendence, The Soul Speaks, and Encore conducted by former Artistic Director Dennis Shrock; and Music from Loretto Chapel, a classic recording led by Lawrence Bandfield, the Chorale’s Founding Music Director.

Since 2002, the Desert Chorale Children’s Chorus 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 settings, including senior residences, schools, and for community events throughout Santa Fe.