Santa Fe Desert Chorale: Roots & Rivers
Roots & Rivers with Santa Fe Desert Chorale
Echoes of the Past, Voices of the Future- Get a sneak peak at the upcoming commercial album live in concert! At the heart of this program lies The American Road: Six Songs of the Enslaved, Embattled and Emancipated by Nigerian-American composer Shawn E. Okpebholo. In this new large-scale work, Okpebholo reimagines folk songs and spirituals—including an original by Rhiannon Giddens—that both honor the pain and resilience of the past and inspire hope for the future. Be among the first to hear this momentous work paired alongside commissions from their recent past, which they plan to include in a new album coming in 2026. Kile Smith’s Northland infuses the poetry of Harlem Renaissance writer Claude McKay with jazz, blues, and melodic lyricism to describe the Jamaican immigrant’s experiences in his new home. The bilingual work Caminante (Traveler) by Jocelyn Hagen exemplifies musically and poetically the miracle of people from all walks of life coming together as fellow travelers. The Tipping Point by Indian-American composer Reena Esmail combines Western and Indian musical techniques to portray the constant struggle between light and darkness, and that miraculous moment of the scale tipping in favor of light. Pianist Nathan Salazar and tabla player Sutanu Sur join the twenty-four Desert Chorale vocal artists for a journey through American choral music.
Dates/Times/Locations:
Friday, August 1 at 7:30 PM, Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
Other Dates:
Thursday, July 24 at 7:30 PM, Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
Sunday, July 27 at 4:00 PM, Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
Cost: $10 – $124
For Tickets and More Information, please visit: https://desertchorale.org/concerts-events/roots-and-rivers/
Recommended Lodging
Houses Of The Moon At Ten Thousand Waves
In the tradition of the Japanese ryokan, guests have a short walk from their rooms to the rustic spa, inspired by Japanese-style mountain hot spring resorts. The distinctive details in each of the 14 unique guest rooms and suites reflect Japanese simplicity, and many include courtyards, decks, a private Japanese garden and a kiva fireplace. Surrounded by 20 acres of piñons and junipers in high mountain wilderness, yet just ten minutes away from downtown Santa Fe, this is your choice for an easily accessible romantic vacation in an exotic destination.
Yurts At Hyde Memorial State Park
Connect with the heart of nature in Hyde Memorial State Park's ponderosa pine mountain forest, where three yurts provide a unique lodging experience that's rooted in an ancient nomadic tradition. Each yurt contains six single beds that can be grouped together in various configurations. Kick back in your outside activity area, with a fire ring, dining table and food safe, to keep the critters away. Vault toilets and water are just a short walk away.