Program Sponsors
Elaine Wang Meyerhoffer
Conductor
Joshua Habermann
Artistic Director
Sponsored by Carmen Paradis and Brian McGrath
July 19–August 2, 2026
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.
Artwork: New Mexico Morada Galisteo by Evelyne Boren, Acosta Strong Fine Art Gallery
Program (Subject to change)
Sacred Place – Alex Berko
Cranes Coming Home – Taja Astar
The Guest House – Shavon Lloyd (underwritten by the Desert Chorale Commissioning Club)
Title TBD – Shawn Kirchner (based on American folk hymns)
Title TBD – Moira Smiley (featuring Moira as guest performer)
Video Clips
We’ve had the privilege of performing many works by Shawn Kirchner, including this “Desert Chorale” version of Sweet Rivers:
Enjoy this solo version “Shema” from Alex Berko’s Sacred Place, performed by soprano Chelsea Helm at our Artist Spotlight Recital:
Performances
Commissioned Composers
Shawn Kirchner
Composer
Shavon Lloyd
Composer
Moira Smiley
Composer
Composer Sponsors
Susan Esco Chandler and Alfred D. Chandler
Moira Smiley
Santa Fe Desert Chorale Commissioning Club
Shavon Lloyd
Guest Artists
Full Season Artists underwritten by Barry and Margaret Lyerly
David Felberg
Violin
Amy Huzjak
Cello
Nathan Salazar
Piano
Moira Smiley
Voice
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
Susan Esco Chandler and Alfred D. Chandler
Moira Smiley
Santa Fe Desert Chorale Singers
Full Season Artists underwritten by Barry and Margaret Lyerly
Elisse Albian
Soprano
Chelsea Helm
Soprano
Elijah McCormack
Soprano
Sarah Moyer
Soprano
Kathlene Ritch
Soprano
Addy Sterrett
Soprano
Kerry Ginger
Alto
Dianna Grabowski
Alto
Sylvia Leith
Alto
Kate Maroney
Alto
Sarah Nickerson
Alto
Pamela Terry
Alto
George Case
Tenor
Brad Diamond
Tenor
Michael Jones
Tenor
Erik Gustafson
Tenor
Bradley Naylor
Tenor
Steven Soph
Tenor
James K. Bass
Bass
John Buffett
Bass
Harrison Hintzsche
Bass
Enrico Lagasca
Bass
Edmund Milly
Bass
Marques Jerrell Ruff
Bass
Singer Sponsors
J. Randle Adair
Addy Sterrett, soprano
Murray and Nancy Bern
John Buffett, bass
Bill and Susan Cammock
Brad Diamond, tenor
Dr. Douglas P. Clark and Mr. Scott Allocco
Elijah McCormack, soprano
Tom and Anne Conner
Kathlene Ritch, soprano
Allegra and Jim Derryberry
Sarah Moyer, soprano
Jeffrey Fort and Diane Locandro
Harrison Hintzsche, bass
Marques Jerrell Ruff, bass
Richard and Chris Frenk
George Case, tenor
Rick Gustafson
Kerry Ginger, alto
Sheryl Kelsey and George Duncan
Dianna Grabowski, alto
Michael Jones, tenor
Pamela Terry, alto
Barbara and Gregory Kok
Erik Gustafson, tenor
Phyllis Lehmberg
Sarah Nickerson, alto
Stephen Marquart and Audrey La Fehr
Edmund Milly, bass
Laurie Meyer in memory of Dick Meyer
Kate Maroney, alto
Jim Murphy and Roxanne Howe-Murphy
Enrico Lagasca, bass
Carmen Paradis and Brian McGrath
Bradley Naylor, tenor
Marianne Reuter
Chelsea Helm, soprano
Peter and Sara Rutenberg
Steven Soph, tenor
Donald Shina and Kevin Waidmann
James K. Bass, bass
Pat Stanley
Elisse Albian, soprano
Brahna Wilczynski in memory of Janusz Wilczynski
Sylvia Leith, alto
