Tucson’s Choral Scene Hits a High Note
Sixteen choruses in the Tucson area are members of the Arizona Choral Arts Association (ACAA), an organization dedicated to the vibrant art of choral singing. I am honored to serve on their board and witness firsthand the incredible talent our desert city holds.
Tucson is truly blessed by the variety and quality of our community choruses. During this year’s One Voice Choral concert, it became clear just how special this season is. We have two choruses premiering original works and another featuring new adaptations of songs by our beloved hometown legend, Linda Ronstadt. That is a pretty impressive feat for community-based groups!
Breathing in the Awe with Tucson Masterworks Chorale
I’ve been involved with the Tucson Masterworks Chorale (TMC) project since its conceptual stage. Their theme, Breathing in the Awe, is a vibrant celebration of America’s National Parks and the upcoming 250th birthday of the United States.
The men and women of TMC are presenting a program that features iconic American composers alongside brand-new works by Artistic Director Luke Diamond. I truly admire the TMC board for taking a chance on Luke’s music before it was even finished! As part of the fundraising committee, I’m thrilled to report we raised the necessary funds for extra soloists, musicians, and a professional recording.
As the president of the Tucson Poetry Society, I have a deep appreciation for well-written, rhyming lyrics. Luke’s process—starting with the poetry and then adding the music—resonates with me. Someday, when Luke is a world-famous composer, I’ll be able to say I was there at the beginning.
Catch the Performance:
- April 25 at 3:00 p.m. – Catalina Foothills High School (4300 E. Sunrise Drive, Tucson). Note: This auditorium is considered one of the best performance venues in Arizona!
- April 26 at 3:00 p.m. – Valley Presbyterian Church (2800 S. Camino del Sol, Green Valley).
- Tickets: tucsonmasterworkschorale.org
The Arizona Women’s Chorus Takes on Carnegie Hall
Another ACAA member I’ve had the pleasure of singing with is the Arizona Women’s Chorus (AWC). This all-female ensemble creates a stunning treble sound. I’ve traveled with them to perform at historic sites like Normandy and Pearl Harbor—experiences that were incredibly meaningful.
AWC recently commissioned a new work titled “The Tides of Life” by local composer Khris Dodge, with lyrics by Katherine Byrnes. This piece is headed for a performance at Carnegie Hall in New York City, and I am so excited to join the chorus on this adventure!
Before they head to the Big Apple, you can hear them at La Rosa, the beautifully restored chapel of the former Benedictine monastery. The acoustics there are simply divine.
- Learn More: azwomenschorus.org
Celebrating a Legend: Reveille Men’s Chorus
In addition to the world premieres, the Reveille Men’s Chorus is presenting fresh arrangements of songs by Linda Ronstadt. As a native Tucsonan, Linda is a local hero, and Reveille is the perfect group to honor her legacy. They are dedicated to creating an inclusive, supportive environment for singers of all backgrounds.
Performance Details:
- May 30 at 7:30 p.m. & May 31 at 2:00 p.m.
- Location: Temple of Music & Art (330 S. Scott Ave.)
Join the Song
For a city with a small-town feel, Tucson has an incredible abundance of welcoming community choruses. Whether they are performing timeless classics or exciting new compositions by local talent, these groups are the heartbeat of our arts community.
I look forward to seeing these new Tucson-born works spread throughout the choral world. In the meantime, I encourage you to support our local groups—or better yet, find a chorus and join in the singing yourself!
Interested in exploring the animals that inspire my books while you listen to your favorite tunes? Check out my downloadable workbooks for elementary students here!
