About the Chorale

Mission

The Mission of the Sangre de Cristo Chorale is to entertain, educate, unite and inspire singers and audiences by performing quality choral music.

History

The Sangre de Cristo Chorale (SDCC) is among the longest continually performing independent chorales in New Mexico. Formed by its members in 1978, we are a self-governing chorale of adult auditioned singers led by a series of distinguished directors, including founding director Sheldon Kahlberg, Doyle Preheim, Maxine Thevanot, Andrew Schmidt, Fred Graham, and our current Music Director, George Case. The Chorale performs diverse choral music in northern New Mexico for the educational and artistic enrichment of the audience, the community, and its members.

A Passion for Community

The Sangre de Cristo Chorale board, director, performers, guest musicians and accompanists are all northern New Mexico residents who are dedicated to music as a lifelong pursuit. They are united in the joy of creating music together and motivated by a goal of touching the hearts of listeners, which they call “creating community through song.” The Chorale performs four concerts per year in Santa Fe. The impact is broad: the Chorale has counted approximately 200 different members since its inception, about 10 percent of the original members have had tenure for at least 30 years, and the group continues to attract many new members. For four decades, audience members have expressed their enjoyment of the Chorale, its wide-ranging repertoire, and its performance quality.

Commitment to Youth

More than 20 years ago the Chorale expanded its focus to include enrichment for young singers by contributing formal choral educational outreach activities in coordination with New Mexico schools. To date, approximately 1000 students have apprenticed with, were tutored by, or received music and scholarships from the Chorale.  Some of these students have gone on to rewarding careers in music. Click here to learn more about SDCC’s community engagement.