Sonoran Desert Chorale Announces 2017-18 Season

The Sonoran Desert Chorale has announced its 24th season, opening in the fall of 2017. Comprised of four distinct concerts which will focus on the gifts that all the seasons of life bring to us, the Chorale is led by Music Director Jeff Harris, a long-time Mesa resident, music educator and choral director. The 60 members of the Chorale come from all parts of the Valley and walks of life joined by one common purpose - their love of music and singing together.

Season Tickets for the 2017/18 Season are available for $60 for adults and $50 for students and seniors. Tickets are currently on sale through the website (www.SonoranDesertChorale.org) or by calling the Box Office at 480-305-4538.

To Everything There Is A Season
October 7 at 7:30 pm First United Methodist Church 15 E. First Ave., Mesa 85210
October 8 at 3:00 pm La Casa De Cristo Lutheran Church
6300 E. Bell Rd., Scottsdale 85254

Pete Seeger's immortal folk ballad, Turn, Turn, Turn is the perfect framework to bring audiences the works of contemporary composers like Ola Gjeilo, Jake Runestad, and Kim André Arneson whose music contemplates loss and life's storms as well as evoking moments of joy and peace. The Chorale begins its 24th season with a concert of incredible beauty and depth.

Desert Voices Of Christmas
December 9 at 7:30 pm First United Methodist Church 15 E. First Ave., Mesa 85210
December 10 at 3:00 pm La Casa De Cristo Lutheran Church
6300 E. Bell Rd., Scottsdale 85254

As the song says, "It's the most wonderful time of the year." We think it's wonderful because music is everywhere - whether it's the jingle of bells or the sound of voices raised in recognition of the miraculous and the joys of the season. You're invited to share with us in a classically rich and glorious celebration of the "hap-happiest season of all."

All The Earth, Sing As One
March 3 at 7:30 pm First United Methodist Church 15 E. First Ave., Mesa 85210
March 4 at 3:00 pm La Casa De Cristo Lutheran Church
6300 E. Bell Rd., Scottsdale 85254

Following acclaim from the 2016 performance of Requiem for the Living, the Chorale is again combining with chamber orchestra to bring Dan Forrest's newest work, Jubilate Deo, to the Valley. The familiar words of Psalm 100, "O be joyful in the Lord, all ye lands" are conveyed through seven languages and musical styles reflecting the universality of the psalmist's directive to praise and give thanks as "all the earth sings as one."

Long Road To Freedom
May 5 at 7:30 pm First United Methodist Church 15 E. First Ave., Mesa 85210
May 6 at 3:00 pm La Casa De Cristo Lutheran Church
6300 E. Bell Rd., Scottsdale 85254

The Chorale closes its 24th season with a story of survival - the journey in song of African people in bondage from slavery to emancipation. For slaves, songs served to ease the burdens of captivity and to speak of freedom in this world and the next. In the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., "They thought about a better day as they dreamed their dream." Join the Chorale as it shares this important part of our American musical heritage.

About the Chorale Sonoran Desert Chorale was founded in 1994 and is led by Music Director Jeff Harris. Since its inception, the group has become a highly regarded and sophisticated choral organization, presenting musical compositions from cultures around the globe as well as important pieces from the European and American music traditions. Concerts frequently include guest performances and collaborations with distinguished artists and organizations in the community such as the Phoenix Children's Chorus, The Southwest Brass, Mesa Caledonian Pipe Band and the Four Seasons Symphony. The Chorale has engaged in six international concert tours, with performances throughout Europe, including Venice, Rome, Florence, Vienna, Salzburg, Prague, Budapest, Ljubljana, Bayeux, Chartres, Galway, Dublin, and Edinburgh. The Chorale was invited to perform with Broadway superstar Michael Crawford for the inaugural concert of the $150 million Mesa Arts Center. The Chorale was selected to appear at the Western Division Convention of the American Choral Directors Association in Salt Lake City, UT.

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