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
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.