Founded in 1982 by Lawrence “Larry” Bandfield, the Santa Fe Desert Chorale (SFDC) is one of the longest-running professional music organizations in NM, with its Summer Festival counted among the nation’s most significant choral events. In a 2020 review, Scott Cantrell of the ​Dallas Morning News​ described SFDC as "a top-notch, 24-voice group… comprising the crème de la crème of professional choral singers from coast to coast.” Now in his 12th season, Artistic Director Joshua Habermann leads SFDC in repertoire spanning seven centuries, from early polyphony to contemporary works. The Chorale's composition is national in scope and the ensemble is recognized as one of the finest American chamber choirs. A recent highlight was an invitational appearance at the 2015 ACDA National Conference, which was later broadcast by MPR. In 2018, SFDC performed at regional ACDA conferences in LA and Chicago. From 2017-2020 SFDC toured in Dallas, twice as part of the Tower Arts Series at Highland Park Methodist Church. The Chorale's The Road Home launched at No. 3 on the Billboard Classical Chart. Throughout its history, SFDC has maintained a commitment to give voice to music from Hispanic and Native American communities. Dedicated to advancing the composers of our time, the Chorale has commissioned 24 works by 20 composers; three-quarters of the composers commissioned have been American. In addition, another seven works have been given their world or American premieres by SFDC.