Familiar Sights and New Horizons

Program Sponsors

Elaine Wang Meyerhoffer

Conductor

Joshua Habermann

Artistic Director
Sponsored by Carmen Paradis and Brian McGrath

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.

Artwork: New Mexico Morada Galisteo by Evelyne Boren, Acosta Strong Fine Art Gallery

Guest Artist Sponsors

Sheryl Kelsey and George Duncan

David Felberg, violin

Barbara and Rod Slaton

Amy Huzjak, cello

Diane and Bill Graves

Nathan Salazar, Piano

Singer Sponsors

Donald Shina and Kevin Waidmann

James Bass, bass

Murray and Nancy Bern

John Buffett, bass

Richard and Chris Frenk

George Case, tenor

Sheryl Kelsey and George Duncan

Dianna Grabowski, alto
Michael Jones, tenor
Pamela Terry, alto

Gregory Dove

Erik Gustafson, tenor

Roxanne Howe-Murphy and James Murphy

Enrico Lagasca, bass

Laurie Meyer in Memory of Dick Meyer

Kate Maroney, alto

Allegra and Jim Derryberry

Sarah Moyer, soprano

Carmen Paradis and Brian McGrath

Bradley Naylor, tenor

Tom and Anne Conner

Kathlene Ritch, soprano