The Santa Fe Women's Ensemble offers quality performances of choral music for women's voices, presenting innovative and inspiring music from many centuries. The Ensemble encourages the writing of new music for women's voices by commissioning compositions, promotes the recognition and appreciation of women's choral repertoire, and develops the performance opportunities and musical skills of its members with its commitment to excellence.

In recognition of its excellence, the Santa Fe Women’s Ensemble has been invited to Italy to perform in music festivals in the regions of Umbria and Tuscany, including Assisi — an exciting end to our 27th season. June 8 is the date for “Viva Italia,” the send-off concert of the Italian tour repertoire, and a reception will follow the concert. The Ensemble will perform sacred music from many centuries and cultures, spirituals, and music by 2007 commissioned composer Samuel Gordon. Francis Poulenc’s Litanies à la Vierge Noire and other selections will also be accompanied by Music Director Dr. Linda Raney on the magnificent new C. B. Fisk organ just installed at First Presbyterian Church.
The Ensemble is looking forward to participating in the Italian festivals of Corofest in Assisi, Musica dal Mondo in Perugia, and Voci e Organi dell’Appennino in Porretta Terme (Tuscany), as well as performing in the charming cities of Gubbio and Pistoia. The tour repertoire will include Samuel Gordon’s commissioned piece, All This Night, and Eja Mater fons amoris from Dean Roush’s Stabat Mater. Also on the program are Dona Nobis Pacem by Paul Gibson, Otche nash by Pavel Chesnokov, and works by Antonio Lotti, Kinley Lange, and Cristóbal de Morales, as well as many others. In addition, Ensemble soprano Linda Rice Beck, who has been selected as our 2008–2009 commissioned composer, has just completed a gorgeous setting of Ave Maria, which will have its premiere at our June 8 concert. Her Prayer of St. Francis, written for the Ensemble in honor of the invitation to sing in Italy, will also be part of the concert and tour repertoire.
Through this unique opportunity, the Ensemble will serve as goodwill ambassadors from Santa Fe, “La Villa Real de la Santa Fé de San Francisco de Asís,” deepening the long-standing connection to Assisi and enhancing the cultural and artistic reputation of the City Different through international exposure.

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