Santa FE Desert Chorale

“The lunch service is faster than dinner. The back patio (summer) is the best seating. Order 'Christmas' for both red and green chile. The sopapilla at the end with honey is the ritual close of every meal here.”

“Arrive by 8 AM to avoid the queue. The communal table is the best option for solo performers — genuine conversations happen here. The coffee is excellent.”

“The Baca Street arts district context gives the cafe a creative energy. The pour-over program is serious and the baristas are knowledgeable. Large tables and good WiFi make it workable for score study.”

“The monsoon storms (July-August) create natural light shows visible from the stage. The performance begins at 8-9 PM in twilight; by Act II, stars are visible above the open sides. Arrive 90 minutes early to walk the grounds and see the sunset over the Jemez Mountains.”

“The ornate Moorish interior — arches, hand-painted decoration, elaborate proscenium — makes this one of the most beautiful smaller venues in the American Southwest. The acoustics are excellent for chamber music and recital.”

“The Plaza is the orientation landmark — everything in downtown Santa Fe is described in relation to it. The gazebo hosts free concerts in summer. The Palace portal marketplace (Native American artists selling directly) is an authentic cultural institution, not a tourist simulacrum.”

“The auditorium is used by the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival for smaller programs and by other organizations throughout the year. The museum's permanent collection (New Mexico modernists, Taos and Santa Fe artists) is visible before and after performances.”

“The Ghost Ranch and Abiquiú paintings — the pelvis bones, the canyon landscapes, the New Mexico skies — represent O'Keeffe's most distinctive contribution. The museum's research center has additional materials available by appointment.”

“Gallery openings on Friday evenings (often the first Friday of each month, plus seasonal openings) are social events that the performing arts community attends. Walking the full length takes 45-60 minutes at a viewing pace. El Zaguan (545 Canyon Rd) has public gardens worth entering.”

“The forest at 9,000-10,000 feet is dramatically different from the high desert of the city — ponderosa pine, aspen, cool air, wildlife. Morning hikes before rehearsal are how Santa Fe performers maintain physical and psychological equilibrium. Ten Thousand Waves spa is on this road, 3 miles from the Plaza.”

“The Rail Runner is the best option for travel between Santa Fe and Albuquerque without a car. The train runs several times daily. Albuquerque International Airport is accessible from the Albuquerque Transit Center, adjacent to the downtown Albuquerque Rail Runner station.”