Sonoran Desert Chorale Bids Farewell to Founder and Music Director

Sonoran Desert Chorale will say farewell to their their Founding Director Jeff Harris in his final concert with them on May 4 and 5.

As a capstone for its celebration of 25 years in song, the Chorale will share a tribute to songs of the heart — “If music be the food of love, Sing On.” 

Mr. Harris’ retirement marks the end of an era for the group.  New challenges and a new director await the ensemble, which looks forward to singing on together.

The concert is filled with wonderful songs of joy and deep emotion. René Clausen’s Tonight Eternity Alone sets a modified verse of the poem ‘Dusk at Sea’ by Thomas S. Jones in the composer’s trademark neo-romantic language, and captures a feeling of contented solitude in a vast empty space.  Dvorák’s Song to the Moon, in which the Water-Nymph Rusalka sings of her love for a human prince, is known the world over for its hauntingly beautiful  melody.

Sing On performances will take place Saturday, May 4 at 7:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 15 E. First Avenue, Mesa and Sunday, May 5 at 3:00 p.m. at La Casa De Cristo Lutheran Church, 6300 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale. 

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.  

Reminisce with the Chorale as they remember childhood friends as does Ēriks Ešenvalds through his delightful Only in Sleep.  Celebrate with Dolly Parton’s Light of a Clear Blue Morning as she affirms that “everything’s gonna be all right.”

Hear Morten Lauridsen’s Dirait-On or “So it seems…” from his collection Les chasons de roses(Songs of the Roses) from the poems of Rilke which offers a gorgeous weaving of voice parts expressing the poet’s concept of the delicate petals of the rose surrounding and protecting its core. Then revel in the glorious Amor de Mi Alma (You Are The Love of My Soul) by Z. Randall Stroope.  And be surrounded by the lush strains of Uniamo in Amore (Let Us Unite in Love) by Kevin Memley.

Tickets may be purchased online at SonoranDesertChorale.org