The American Immigrant Experience

Rich and complex stories from our nation’s newcomers.

The unique musical language of the United States is rooted in the songs brought to her shores by successive waves of immigrants. Listeners will embark on a musical journey that explores how their contributions have influenced and defined our country’s music and given us the rich tapestry of American song. Combining the power of the spoken word with choral music, the full 24 voices of the Desert Chorale and collaborative pianist Nathan Salazar give voice to the complex stories of uncertainty and hope from those moving from one home to another. This program will also feature the world premiere of Northland, a piece written especially for the Desert Chorale by the GRAMMY-nominated composer Kile Smith. The text of this new work consists of four poems by Harlem Renaissance writer Claude McKay (1890-1948) in which he wrestles with his own immigrant experience.

The Santa Fe Desert Chorale’s Summer Festival is supported in part by New Mexico Arts, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs, and by the National Endowment for the Arts. It is also partially funded by the County of Santa Fe Lodgers’ Tax.