david e poole

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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.

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: