Sonoran Desert Chorale Announces DESERT VOICES OF CHRISTMAS

Familiar carols, a new Gloria that features two of the finest organs in the Valley, and joyful voices lifted in songs of the season fill the second concert of the Chorale's 24th Season. Arrangements by Shawn Kirchner, Mack Wilberg, John Rutter, and Bob Chilcott provide sublime listening experiences for the audience. Hear four-hands piano transport the much-loved Sussex Carol and the Chorale to glorious heights!

Desert Voices of Christmas performances will take place Saturday, December 9, 2017 at 7:30 P.M. at First United Methodist Church, 15 E. First Avenue, Mesa and Sunday, December 10, 2017 at 3:00 P.M. at La Casa De Cristo Lutheran Church, 6300 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale.

Tickets are now on sale. Tickets may be purchased online at SonoranDesertChorale.org or by calling 480-305-4538. Advance single ticket prices are $18 for adults/$15 for seniors, students and groups of 10 or more. Ticket prices at the door are $20 for adults and $18 for seniors/students. The concert begins with the Chorale and Dr. Bonnie Loney at the organ sharing Behold New Joy: Ancient Carols of Christmas.

According to arranger Kirchner, "...nothing is more exciting than happening upon an obscure, nearly forgotten carol that still breathes with life. For centuries, such carols have been dusted off, reshaped, and shared anew, bringing fresh bursts of Christmas joy to the festivities of the season." This compilation of carols, familiar and new, pulses with vigor, grace, and vivid life - "a testament to the power of art to speak across the generations."

And speaking of vigor, don't miss the performance of Estampie Natalis, a driving, percussive celebration of the Nativity with instrumental accompaniment that fairly dances right off the stage and into the heart. Plus in the true spirit of the season, the Chorale joins in the always anticipated audience sing-a-long of traditional favorites. I heard the bells on Christmas Day Their old, familiar carols play And wild and sweet, the words repeat Of peace on Earth...

Make your plans now to share this special time with the Chorale - "Your combination of beautiful choral sound, great music selection, and a director who is very precise and possesses an obvious passion for choral music and people made for one of the most enjoyable concert experiences ever."

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. For more information, high-resolution images, or to schedule an appearance or interview, please contact Laura Schairer at 480-797-3111.