Sonoran Desert Chorale Performs ENCORE! This October

Take 1,100+ pieces of wonderful choral music sung over 24 years, pare those down to about 80, ask your audience to select their 15 to 20 favorites, and program an eclectic joy of a concert with their choices. No problem! The results are in and the repertoire for the first concert of the Chorale's 25th Anniversary Season is selected entirely from this list. With a range from the Baroque to Broadway, there really is a taste of something for everyone.

Audience Choice - Encore! performances will take place Saturday, October 6, 2018 at 7:30 P.M. at First United Methodist Church, 15 E. First Avenue, Mesa and Sunday, October 7, 2018 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 a multi-layered motet by Monteverdi, Laetatus sum (I was glad - Psalm 121), a grand example of the Baroque polyphonic form. Various voice parts weave in and out of each other, throwing the melody lines back and forth between soloists, and ends with the choir singing the Gloria Patri as an affirmation of the joy expressed in the psalm.

From that auspicious beginning, the Chorale sets off on a musical journey encompassing the Beatles, spirituals, folk songs, and movie scores. Hear spirited renditions of John the Revelator, Unclouded Day, and Jai Ho. For the romantics among us there is Yesterday and O My Luve's Like a Red, Red Rose, arranged by René Clausen. And for those who appreciate the allure of the stage, the Chorale sings Sondheim's Send in the Clowns and Verdi's Va pensiero.

Make your plans now to attend this special concert which begins the 25th Anniversary Season. This will truly be a season of magical musical moments!