The Sangre de Cristo Chorale presents America’s Bard on May 23 and 24, 2026, at the First Presbyterian Church in Santa Fe. This concert explores the profound influence of poet Walt Whitman on American music, featuring choral settings of some of his most famous texts. The program highlights the intersection of 19th-century literature and 20th-century composition, capturing the expansive and democratic spirit of Whitman’s poetry through diverse musical styles.
The centerpiece of the performance is Jeffrey Van’s A Procession Winding Around Me, a haunting work scored for mixed chorus and solo classical guitar. The program also includes works by prominent American composers, Eric Whitacre, Norman Dello Joio, and William Schuman, each offering a unique musical interpretation of Whitman’s verse.
WHAT ARE THE CONCERT DETAILS FOR AMERICA’S BARD?
In short: Join the Sangre de Cristo Chorale for a 4 p.m. concert on May 23 or 24 dedicated to the poetry of Walt Whitman. Held at the First Presbyterian Church, the performance features a unique blend of choral voices and classical guitar.
- Dates: Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24, 2026
- Time: 4 p.m. (both performances)
- Location: First Presbyterian Church, 208 Grant Ave., Santa Fe, NM
- Tickets: Tickets cost $30 for adults; children’s tickets are free-=. Buy tickets through the Sangre de Cristo Chorale website.
- Featured Music: Jeffrey Van, Eric Whitacre, Norman Dello Joio, and William Schuman.
WHY ATTEND THE AMERICA’S BARD CONCERT?
- Unique Instrumentation: Experience the rare and evocative pairing of a vocal ensemble with the intimate sound of the classical guitar.
- Literary Connection: Discover how Walt Whitman’s “Leaves of Grass” and Civil War poetry inspired some of the most significant American choral music of the last century.
- Acoustic Excellence: The First Presbyterian Church is a premier Santa Fe venue known for its clear acoustics, providing an ideal setting for intricate choral performances.
DON’T MISS AMERICA’S BARD
America’s Bard offers a sophisticated look at the cultural heritage of the United States. Whether you are a fan of classical guitar, choral music, or American literature, this concert provides a thoughtful and moving experience in the heart of downtown Santa Fe.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS THE FOCUS OF JEFFREY VAN’S A PROCESSION WINDING AROUND ME?
Jeffrey Van’s A Procession Winding Around Me is a four-movement work based on Walt Whitman’s Civil War poems. The piece is notable for its use of a solo guitar to provide a stark, rhythmic, and often somber counterpoint to the chorus. The music reflects the vivid imagery of Whitman’s “Drum-Taps,” moving from the call to arms to the quiet reflection of the fallen. This specific composition is considered a masterpiece of the genre, effectively capturing the tension and emotional depth of the American landscape during the 1860s.
HOW DO I BUY TICKETS FOR THIS PERFORMANCE?
Buy tickets for both the Saturday and Sunday performances online through the Sangre de Cristo Chorale’s official ticketing portal. Because the First Presbyterian Church has a limited seating capacity and the Sangre de Cristo Chorale is a highly regarded choral ensemble, concerts frequently sell out in advance. Buy tickets early to get your preferred date. If tickets remain on the day of the show, they will be available at the door starting one hour before the 4 p.m. performance.
IS THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL GUESTS?
Yes. The First Presbyterian Church in Santa Fe is fully accessible to guests with mobility concerns. The main entrance on Grant Avenue provides level access to the sanctuary where the concert is held. There are designated areas within the seating plan for wheelchairs and companions.
WHICH OTHER COMPOSERS ARE FEATURED IN THE PROGRAM?
In addition to the central work by Jeffrey Van, the program includes Whitman-inspired settings by a roster of 20th-century American greats. This includes Norman Dello Joio, whose Pulitzer Prize-winning style often blends modernism with traditional lyricism. The concert also features William Schuman, a significant figure in American music history. These varying perspectives show how Whitman’s “free verse” style challenged and inspired different generations of composers to create a truly American sound.
WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO PARK NEAR THE CHURCH?
The First Presbyterian Church is located at 208 Grant Ave., just two blocks north of the Santa Fe Plaza. While there is limited street parking on Grant Avenue and Marcy Street, the most reliable options are the nearby public parking garages. The Sandoval Garage and the Convention Center Underground Parking Garage are both within a five-minute walk of the church. For those traveling from outside Santa Fe, these garages offer the most convenience. Arrive at least 30 minutes early to find parking and navigate to your seat before the 4 p.m. start.
This article was posted by Jess
