Ghost Ranch (Abiquiu campus) in northern New Mexico is an enchanting place. Early in the 20th century, it captured the eye of Georgia O’Keefe, who chose to make her home within its present boundaries. The ranch continues to entice visual artists, in addition to musicians, poets, philosophers and theologians.
For over twenty-five years, during the first full week following the Fourth of July, Ghost Ranch has resonated with the sounds of magnificent choral music, as singers from around the country converge to explore and perform a varied repertoire ranging from world premieres to traditional extended works. Once known as "Vocal Camp," the group has been re-Christened the Ghost Ranch Chorale.
It has been my privilege since 2003 to lead the Ghost Ranch Chorale. During that period the repertoire has consisted of fresh settings of sacred and liturgical texts, world music, songs from the Jewish tradition, rarely-heard extended works by Francisco Durante and Ignacio de Jerusalem, in addition to the occasional chestnut. While the name "Chorale" may give the impression of a permanent ensemble with a set membership, such is not the case at all. We have many singers who do return year after year, but the group is open, without audition, to all singers.
The 2011 Ghost Ranch
Chorale will convene July 11-17. We will celebrate the 40th anniversary of choral music at the
ranch with a repertoire of songs affirming the power of music in the corporate
praise of God. SING TO THE POWER
will include pieces from various periods and traditions, including gospel and
spirituals, classical and contemporary, regional and global. Among our specific titles are Gwyneth
Walker’s “Come, Let Us Sing,”
Robert Ray’s “He Never Failed me Yet,” and “Awake the Harp” from Haydn’s
Creation. Our week together culminates in a concert offered to the
ranch community on Saturday evening.
The Ghost Ranch Chorale is the continuation of what what was once called
“Vocal Camp,” and we invite and
welcome all former singers to join us.
While the ability to read music is not required and no audition is
involved, the pace of rehearsal will favor those with some choral experience. Be sure to email me with any questions.