Sonoran Desert Chorale presents A PASSAGE TO THE BRITISH ISLES

As the Chorale prepares for their sixth European tour in June, they share with audiences at home the wonderful music that will be presented in concert abroad. The music of Irish, English, Welsh, Scottish, and American composers and folk songs comprise the repertoire. Well-loved pieces such as How Can I Keep From Singing and O Danny Boy are included, along with several energetic spirituals and anthems that will fill cathedral spaces.

Passage to the British Isles performances will take place Saturday, May 6, 2017 at 7:30 P.M.at First United Methodist Church, 15 E. First Avenue, Mesa and Sunday, May 7, 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.

Following in the steps of William Dawson, Jester Hairston, and Moses Hogan, the arrangements of Stacey V. Gibbs bring new life to the spiritual repertoire. His rhythmic voice is particularly fascinating, providing an authentic sense of energy and motion to each arrangement. The Chorale performs Gibbs' arrangement of Way Over in Beulah Land. Audiences will be swept into the driving rhythms and full-bodied sound of this traditional American spiritual.

Accompanying the Chorale on the two very fine organs at both concert venues is Dr. Bonnie Loney. Dr. Loney holds graduate degrees in organ performance from Arizona State University. She has traveled with the Chorale on previous European tours and played on some of the most magnificent organs in the world. Dr. Loney will provide "fireworks" in sound for Alleluya Psallat and "Raise the Roof" in Mack Wilberg's arrangement of Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing.

Hear pieces by Vaughan Williams, Purcell, Mathias, and Paulus as you join the Chorale for this "launch party" and send us off to bridge the ocean with song! Miorbhaileach!! (Excellent!!)

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 five European concert tours, with performances throughout Europe, including Venice, Rome, Florence, Vienna, Salzburg, Prague, Budapest, Ljubljana, Bayeux, Rouen, Chartres, and Strasbourg. 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.