Santa Fe Desert Chorale

WHEN: July 12-August 2, 2026; December 12-22, 2026

WHERE: The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi & Other venues. Experience the beauty and power of world-class choral music with the Santa Fe Desert Chorale.

The Santa Fe Desert Chorale is one of the nation’s leading professional chamber choirs. Join twenty-four of the best professional ensemble singers from across the country as they gather in Santa Fe each summer to present one of the largest choral events in the nation. Celebrate the holidays with their popular winter concert series in December.

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Renaissance Splendor

Discover Europe’s Musical Masterpieces

July 12–August 1, 2026

Journey into the heart of Spain and Italy, where a resplendent world of Renaissance and Early Baroque sounds awaits. Twenty Desert Chorale artists - joined by the early music ensemble Incantare, theorbo, and organ- will transport you to the hallowed halls of the grand cathedrals, the mountains and seasides of the Mediterranean, and beyond. 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.

Homecoming

Familiar Sights and New Horizons

July 19-August 2, 2026

Marking our nation’s 250th anniversary, this program celebrates the rich yet comforting sounds of American roots choral music. Twenty-four professional vocalists from across the country will unite to perform fresh compositions by Shawn Kirchner, Moira Smiley, and Shavon Lloyd. These celebrated composers, known for their masterful blending of classical choral traditions with American folk influences, will explore themes of community and belonging. Piano, violin, and cello join the Desert Chorale for Alex Berko’s Sacred Place. This moving piece 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.

Rachmaninoff’s All-Night Vigil

A Sanctuary of Sound

July 23-31, 2026

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, resonating with both the ancient and the innovative. 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," the Vespers 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.

Carols & Lullabies

Celebrate the Hope and Magic of the Holiday Season

Dec 12-22, 2026

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 beloved carols you know and love alongside new musical treasures to add to your collection of favorite seasonal tunes.