Music at Ghost Ranch

high desert
streams
Kitchen Mesa
Chimney Rock
near O'Keefe
cabin

LET'S MAKE MUSIC TOGETHER AT GHOST RANCH!


.GR for Chorle page

A different kind of cathedral

Ghost Ranch 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.

chorale in concert

The 2007 Ghost Ranch Chorale performs to a packed house 
in the new Agape Center. 
 

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 2012 Ghost Ranch Chorale will convene July 9-15.    Titled HONEY IN THE ROCK, this year's Chorale explores the theme of God's providence in our lives a wide selection of music, some better-known, some quite unusual, from the Judeo-Christian tradition.  The repertoire (subject to change) will include:

·  Petite Et Accipietis                           Michael Haydn

·   Cantique de Jean Racine                  Gabriel Faure

·    Y’susum Midbar                           arranged by Alice Parker

· He Never Failed Me Yet                  Robert Ray

· Honey in the Rock (premiere)         David Poole

plus many more . . .

Our week together culminates in a concert offered to the Ranch community on Saturday evening. The Ghost Ranch Chorale is the continuation of 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.
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As the composer of much of the music used in worship at Ghost Ranch and Casa del Sol, I am also offering for the first time this summer a seminar titled A NEW SONG:  CREATING MUSIC FOR WORSHIP.  It will take place July 23-29 and will be limited to ten participants.  We will explore the craft of writing shorter (generally congregational) songs for worship, focusing on the elusive question of what makes a "good" melody.  I'll share with you sa step by step method of shaping your idea into something a congregation can sing.  We'll share our creations amongst ourselves, and at week's end with the larger ranch community in Sunday worship!  You do not have to know how to notate music to join this class--I can help with that part.  Every one of us has a song (or two) in our heart.  Let me help you discover yours!  Feel free to email me with your anxieties and fears.

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