Experience Great Choral Music in the Land of Enchantment
WELCOME TO OUR 44th SEASON!
“At the Desert Chorale, we often speak about ‘singing for our common humanity.’” Each concert stands as a vivid testament to the power of community. The extraordinary artistry of our choristers, the sheer power of the repertoire, and the electric connection our artists create with one another and with our audience invites everyone in the hall to become part of something greater than themselves.”
— Joshua Habermann
That spirit of shared humanity is at the heart of everything we do, and this season we’ve built something truly special around it. From concerts designed to move and inspire, to joyful community sings, and the anticipated arrival of our new album Roots & Rivers, the 2026 season is full of moments worth gathering for. We can’t wait to welcome you!
Special thanks to Barry and Margaret Lyerly for underwriting our 2026 season artists.
“...the ensemble carries with it a legacy of artistic excellence and a commitment to choral music as a vehicle for storytelling and connection.”
— Ekin Balcıoğlu, Taos News
Renaissance Splendor
Conductor
Joshua Habermann, Artistic Director
Sponsored by Carmen Paradis and Brian McGrath
Guest Instrumentalists
Incantare Early Music Ensemble
Underwritten by Richard and Chris Frenk
Richard Savino, theorbo
Sponsored by Gregory Dove
Maxine Thévenot, organ
Sponsored by Bill and Susan Cammock
DISCOVER EUROPE’S MUSICAL MASTERPIECES
Journey back in time to the heart of Spain and Italy, where a resplendent world of Renaissance and Early Baroque music awaits. Twenty Desert Chorale artists—joined by theorbo, organ, and the early music ensemble Incantare—will transport you to the hallowed halls of grand cathedrals, the mountains and seasides of the Mediterranean, and beyond. Highlights include Monteverdi’s jubilant Beatus vir, Lobo’s deeply expressive Versa est in luctum, the toe-tapping rhythms of Juan Arañés’ Un sarao de la chacona, and the soaring high C’s of Allegri’s famous Miserere mei, Deus.
Experience the breathtaking polyphony of these sacred and secular works, creating a captivating tapestry of interwoven melodies that will fill you with the same wonder felt by those who first heard these masterworks centuries ago.
Sunday, July 12, 2026 | 4 pm
Sponsored by Sheryl Kelsey and George Duncan
Tuesday, July 28, 2026 | 7:30 pm
Sponsored by Gregory Dove
Saturday, August 1, 2026 | 7:30 pm
Free Pre-concert Video Lecture
Presented by Edmund Connolly
All concerts will be held at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi.
Page 4: Coquelicots by Evelyne Boren, Acosta Strong Fine Art Gallery
Page 5: Artwork by Olga Tamkovich
Homecoming
Program Sponsor
Elaine Wang Meyerhoffer
Conductor
Joshua Habermann, Artistic Director
Sponsored by Carmen Paradis and Brian McGrath
Guest Artist
Moira Smiley
Underwritten by Susan Esco Chandler and Alfred D. Chandler
Guest Instrumentalists
David Felberg, violin
Sponsored by Sheryl Kelsey and George Duncan
Amy Huzjak, cello
Sponsored by Barbara and Rod Slaton
Nathan Salazar, piano
Sponsored by Diane and Bill Graves
FAMILIAR SIGHTS & NEW HORIZONS
Marking our nation’s 250th anniversary, this program celebrates the rich yet familiar sounds of American roots choral music. Twenty-four professional vocalists from across the country—joined by piano, violin, and cello—will unite to perform fresh compositions by Shawn Kirchner, Shavon Lloyd, and Moira Smiley, who will be a guest soloist on her work. These celebrated composers, known for their masterful blending of classical choral traditions with American folk influences, will explore themes of community and belonging. Alex Berko’s Sacred Place interweaves the structure of a Jewish service with environmental texts, reflecting on the beautiful world we call home. Rounding out this program is the premiere of Cranes Coming Home by emerging composer Taja Astar, winner of Chicago a cappella’s HerVoice competition. Find your own sense of home within this inspiring evening.
Sunday, July 19, 2026 | 4 pm
Co-sponsored by Roxanne Howe-Murphy and James Murphy, and Laurie Meyer in memory of Dick Meyer
Friday, July 24, 2026 | 7:30 pm
Sponsored by Peter and Sara Rutenberg in support of new music by living composers
Sunday, August 2, 2026 | 4 pm
Sponsored by Dmitri Bovaird and Maggie Edmondson in loving memory of Nina Hinson Rasmussen and Dr. Prescott C. Rasmussen
Free Pre-concert Video Lecture
Presented by Dr. Bradley Naylor
All concerts will be held at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi.
Page 6: New Mexico Morada Galisteo by Evelyne Boren, Acosta Strong Fine Art Gallery
Page 7: Artwork by Olga Tamkovich
Rachmaninoff’s All Night Vigil
Program Sponsors
Catherine and Guy Gronquist
Conductor
Joshua Habermann, Artistic Director
Sponsored by Carmen Paradis and Brian McGrath
A SANCTUARY OF SOUND
Last performed in 2016, the Santa Fe Desert Chorale is thrilled to continue the tradition of presenting Sergei Rachmaninoff’s profoundly beautiful and deeply spiritual All-Night Vigil (popularly known as Vespers). This cornerstone of choral music consists of fifteen movements of unaccompanied voices creating a cathedral of sound. Composed in less than two weeks in 1915 against the backdrop of war, Rachmaninoff’s masterpiece marries traditional Orthodox chants with his distinctive harmonic language, creating a work of great emotional depth. From the grand opening of “Come, Let Us Worship” to the famous low B-flat descent in “Now Lettest Thou,” All-Night Vigil showcases the full expressive range of the human voice. The Desert Chorale will expand to 32 top-tier professional vocalists to tackle this herculean work. Whether you’re hearing the Vespers for the first time or revisiting a beloved favorite, this program promises to be an unforgettable journey through what many consider to be the pinnacle of Russian choral music.
Thursday, July 23, 2026 | 7:30 pm
Co-sponsored by Phyllis Lehmberg and Patricia Stanley
Saturday, July 25, 2026 | 6 pm Cathedral of St. John, Albuquerque
Sunday, July 26, 2026 | 4 pm
Sponsored by Patricia “Tish” Romer in loving memory of Joan Berner
Thursday, July 30, 2026 | 7:30 pm
Sponsored by Katherine and William Landschulz
Free Pre-concert Video Lecture
Presented by Elena Sharkova
All concerts will be held at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi unless otherwise noted.
Page 8: Blood Moon Over Santa Fe by Evelyne Boren, Acosta Strong Fine Art Gallery
Page 9: Artwork by Olga Tamkovich
Carols & Lullabies
Winter Festival Underwriter
The Hutson-Wiley & Echevarria Foundation
Conductor
Joshua Habermann, Artistic Director
CELEBRATE THE HOPE AND MAGIC OF THE SEASON
Experience the warmth, light, and beauty of the holiday season during the Desert Chorale’s annual Winter Festival. Our twenty-four professional artists and guest collaborative pianist return to the Land of Enchantment from across the nation for concerts, caroling, and more. Celebrate this festive time of year with carols you know and love alongside new musical treasures to add to your collection of favorite seasonal tunes.
Saturday, December 12, 2026 | 7:30 pm
Sponsored by Katherine and William Landschulz
Sunday, December 13, 2026 | 4 pm
First Presbyterian Church, Albuquerque
Tuesday, December 15, 2026 | 7 pm
Thursday, December 17, 2026 | 7 pm
Sponsored by Catherine and Guy Gronquist
Friday, December 18, 2026 | 7 pm
Saturday, December 19, 2026 | 7:30 pm
Sponsored by Marian “Mimi” Lloyd
Sunday, December 20, 2026 | 4 pm
Sponsored by Sue Noel
Sunday, December 20, 2026 | 7:30 pm
Tuesday, December 22, 2026 at 7 pm
All concerts will be held at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi unless otherwise noted.
Page 10: Happy Snowflakes and Full Moon by Evelyne Boren, Acosta Strong Fine Art Gallery
Page 11: Artwork by Olga Tamkovich
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT RECITAL
PROFOUND POETRY AND SOARING MELODIES
Wednesday July 29, 2026 at 4 pm St. Bede’s Episcopal Church
SPONSORED BY Allegra and Jim Derryberry
Our professional singers not only blend seamlessly in an ensemble—they also shine on the solo stage! Three of your favorite Desert Chorale artists and collaborative pianist Nathan Salazar come together for an art song recital in the close setting of St. Bede’s Episcopal Church. Treat yourself to an afternoon filled with profound poetry and soaring melodies.
Photo: Summer Maulden Kathlene Ritch Soprano
Photo: Jonathan Nesteruk Sylvia Leith Mezzo-soprano
Photo: Britt Olsen-Ecker Edmund Milly Bass-baritone
Photo: Evangeline Hodge Nathan Salazar Piano
TICKETS NOW ON SALE
GALA CELEBRATION
success of our Gala relies entirely on your contributions in advance — no auctions, raffles, or interrupt this special event. Instead, each entry ticket includes a meaningful donation support of your Santa Fe Desert Chorale. Thank you for your consideration and generosity.
Mambo Ticket: $1,250 (includes one entry and a donation of $950)
Salsa Ticket: $1,750 (includes one entry and a donation of $1,450)
Tango Ticket: $2,750 (includes one entry and a donation of $2,450)
Samba Ticket: $3,750 (includes one entry and a donation of $3,450)
Additional contributions and contributions in lieu of attendance are greatly appreciated. fair market value of each ticket is $300.
JOIN US FOR OUR ANNUAL SUMMER FÊTE
Thursday
A GALA CELEBRATION
To learn use call (505) website
July 16, 2026 at 6 pm Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe
Gather with your friends and Desert Chorale artists as we celebrate the inspiring grandeur of the American landscape and the music that unites us. Enjoy drinks and small bites in the Terra Courtyard, delight in an exquisite threecourse dinner, and take in a joyful performance by your Santa Fe Desert Chorale.
No silent auctions, raffles, or requests for donations will interrupt our signature gala event. Tickets on sale April 8th.
To learn more, visit desertchorale.org/gala
MOIRA SMILEY: BIG SING
JOIN THE DESERT CHORALE FOR OUR BIGGEST COMMUNITY SINGING EVENT YET!
Saturday
April 25, 2026
Chatter ABQ
BIG SING from 3–5 pm
Moira Smiley: Big Sing + Live in Concert
MOIRA SMILEY’S APPREARANCE IS UNDERWRITTEN BY Susan Esco Chandler and Alfred D. Chandler
GRAMMY®-nominated artist Moira Smiley will lead a joyful, no-experience-needed afternoon of singing, connection, and beautiful harmonies. No preparation is required, and all ages and voices are welcome.
Presented in partnership with
MOIRA SMILEY LIVE IN CONCERT at 7 pm
Moira returns to the stage with four of the finest local string players for a one-nightonly performance of “chamber-folk” music, featuring songs from her latest album The Rhizome Project.
Tickets and information at desertchorale.org/bigsing
With support from
CHILDREN’S CONCERTS
FREE JOYFUL MINI CONCERTS ESPECIALLY FOR CHILDREN
SUMMER CHILDREN’S CONCERT
Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at 11 am
Genoveva Chavez Community Center Community Room
Sponsored by Stephen and Jane Hochberg
WINTER CHILDREN’S CONCERT
Saturday, December 19, 2026 at 11:30 am
Genoveva Chavez Community Center Community Room
Sponsored by Katherine and William Landschulz
Join us for a free Children’s Concert featuring the professional voices of the Desert Chorale, led by Artistic Director Joshua Habermann. These magical 45-minute mini concerts offer children and their grown-ups an engaging introduction to live choral music. Families are invited to meet the artists after the performance, and light refreshments will be served. Flexible seating is available—feel free to bring a blanket if your little ones prefer the floor. Pay-what-you-will admission; registration required as capacity is limited. Learn more and register at desertchorale.org/childrensconcert
SANTA FE SINGS!
BUILD YOUR CONFIDENCE AND CULTIVATE YOUR LOVE OF SINGING
Saturday
September 19, 2026 from 9:30 am – 2:30 pm
United Church of Santa Fe
Santa Fe Sings! is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year! This special workshop draws participants ranging in age from eighth graders to octogenarians, all singing together under the direction of Artistic Director Joshua Habermann. Singers of all backgrounds join together in performing selections that span diverse eras and genres of choral music.
PROGRAM SPONSORS
Stephen and Jane Hochberg
The goal of the day is to cultivate and inspire a love of singing while nurturing singers’ confidence and choral leadership skills to strengthen ensembles in our community.
Registration and coffee hour, featuring information on local vocal ensembles, begins at 8:45 am. The workshop begins at 9:30 am and culminates in a showcase performance at 2:00 pm. This informal performance is free to attendees and their guests. Be sure to invite your friends and family!
Learn more and register at desertchorale.org/sfsings
ROOTS & RIVERS ALBUM
ROOTS & RIVERS ALBUM RELEASE Friday June 12, 2026
This landmark commercial recording brings together four of today’s most exciting American composers—Reena Esmail, Jocelyn Hagen, Shawn E. Okpebholo, and Kile Smith. The result is an album that feels both timely and timeless: music rooted in the universal human experience of struggle, resilience, and the long journey from darkness into light. The radiant “Desert Chorale version” of Sweet Rivers by master arranger Shawn Kirchner rounds out this compelling disc.
Pre-order your Roots & Rivers CD today at desertchorale.org/roots&rivers
DESERT CHORALE MERCHANDISE
DESERT CHORALE SIGNATURE COLLECTION
SHOP ONLINE AT desertchorale.org/shop
Notecards • Postcards
Posters • Mugs • CDs
Stickers • Baseball Caps and More!
Explore official Desert Chorale merchandise, and find the perfect gift for yourself or the music-lovers in your life.
