The Santa Fe Desert Chorale, renowned for its exquisite harmonies and captivating performances, is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated Winter Festival Program, scheduled for December 13 – 21, 2025.
The latter half of the Santa Fe Desert Chorale’s 43rd season delivers the beauty of winter. Carols and Lullabies: Luminaria is a journey into a wonderland of song. This program, featuring 24 exceptional vocalists and guest pianist Nathan Salazar, explores the hope and inspiration of the holiday season through exquisite choral arrangements.
Discover a heartwarming mix of beloved carols and delightful new musical delights woven together to ignite the magic of winter and spread joy during the year’s darkest months. Experience an unforgettable performance that blossoms with warmth and light, reminding us of the enduring beauty that flourishes even in the depths of winter.
About the Santa Fe Desert Chorale
Comprising 24 exceptional vocalists from across the nation, the Santa Fe Desert Chorale has been enchanting audiences with stunning choral music since 1982, and this winter’s program is poised to be their most remarkable yet.
The Santa Fe Desert Chorale has graced New Mexico with exceptional choral performances for over four decades. Led by Artistic Director Joshua Habermann, the Chorale is celebrated for its diverse, century-spanning repertoire and captivating audiences in historic venues throughout Santa Fe and Albuquerque.
The Santa Fe Desert Chorale’s 43rd Season features two programs — Summer and Winter. The exciting Santa Fe Desert Chorale Summer Festival, one of the nation’s largest choral events, is scheduled from July 13 to August 1, 2025. It showcases three innovative concert series: Cantos y Cuentos, Mass for the Endangered, and Roots & Rivers, and an Artist Spotlight Recital.
The Best in Choral Music
The Santa Fe Desert Chorale stands as a premier vocal ensemble, uniting some of the nation’s most celebrated singers to create choral music of exceptional artistry. Their Summer Festival is a highlight of the choral calendar, drawing audiences from across the country to experience its unparalleled performances.
“A lot of professional choirs focus on a certain genre or time period, but we sing the entire spectrum of music available for the human voice,” says Marketing Director Joanna Armstrong. “Our singers can sing essentially anything written for voices, which makes the Santa Fe Desert Chorale very unique. There really is something for everyone.”
In Memory of Joel Brauer
The Santa Fe Desert Chorale’s 2025 Winter Season is dedicated to the memory of Joel Brauer, honoring his enduring impact on the choral community. Joel Brauer was a passionate advocate for choral music, and his legacy continues through initiatives like the Joel Brauer Fund for New Music, established to commission new choral works by leading and emerging composers.
This tribute is made possible by the generous sponsorship of Mary and Phil Delk, longtime supporters of the arts. Their commitment to fostering musical excellence is evident in their ongoing support of the Santa Fe Desert Chorale and other musical endeavors.
Notably, their contributions have underwritten previous Desert Chorale programs, reflecting their dedication to ensuring choral music continues to grow, resonate, and bring people together.
2025 Winter Festival Program
This holiday season, treat yourself to an unforgettable experience with the Santa Fe Desert Chorale’s Winter Festival, Carols and Lullabies: Luminaria. Journey with 24 exceptional singers and guest pianist Nathan Salazar as they explore the spirit of the season through choral music.
Discover a program filled with familiar carols and exciting new works, all brought to life with stunning vocal artistry. Latin American seasonal folk tunes will complement the 2025 winter program, bringing festive and serene melodies to spread light during the year’s darkest and longest nights.
Let this season’s Carols & Lullabies: Luminaria transport you to a place of peace and joy, and rediscover the true meaning of the holidays.
Carols and Lullabies: Luminaria Performance Dates
Concerts are held at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi unless otherwise noted.
- Saturday, December 13, at 7 p.m.
- Sunday, December 14, at 4 p.m. Immanuel Presbyterian Church, Albuquerque
- Tuesday, December 16, at 7 p.m.
- Thursday, December 18, at 7 p.m.
- Friday, December 19, at 7 p.m.
- Saturday, December 20, at 7 p.m.
- Sunday, December 21, at 4 p.m., 7:30 p.m.
Connect with Santa Fe Desert Chorale
Visit Santa Fe Desert Chorale to purchase tickets, learn more about the programs, and make a gift.
STORY SPONSORED BY SANTA FE DESERT CHORALE
