Season includes Herbert Howells Requiem, the return of A Chorale Christmas, a new work by Composer-in-Residence Jennifer Lucy Cook and the release of the Chorale’s newest recording, Promised Land
PHOENIX, Ariz. – The Phoenix Chorale has announced its 2026/2027 season, inviting audiences to experience music that reflects on life’s deepest moments, celebrates holiday traditions, explores new artistic voices and offers moments of quiet contemplation.
Led by Artistic Director Christopher Gabbitas, the four-concert season features beloved masterworks, contemporary composers and the world premiere of National Parks, continuing the Chorale’s commitment to bringing new music to Arizona audiences. In addition to the concert season, Phoenix Chorale will release its newest recording, Promised Land, in October. The album celebrates America’s rich musical heritage and features three arrangements by Composer-in-Residence Jennifer Lucy Cook, offering audiences another opportunity to experience her work ahead of the January premiere of National Parks: The Concert.
At the center of the season is National Parks: The Concert, a world premiere by award-winning Los Angeles composer and lyricist Jennifer Lucy Cook, Phoenix Chorale’s Composer-in-Residence. Created in collaboration with acclaimed brass ensemble from NYC The Westerlies, the new narrative work celebrates America’s national parks through the stories of people brought together by these remarkable places.
Cook has quickly become one of the country’s most sought-after emerging choral composers. Her work spans concert halls, musical theatre and film, with commissions and collaborations for leading ensembles across the nation. National Parks is the largest original commission in Phoenix Chorale’s history, reflecting the organization’s ongoing investment in creating new choral repertoire. The performances will also feature young singers from Phoenix Children’s Chorus, adding their voices to this landmark collaboration. Performances take place Jan. 30 and 31 at Camelback Bible Church in Paradise Valley.
The season concludes April 24 and 25 with Chant and Polyphony II: From Dusk till Dawn, the return of the Chorale’s immersive sacred music experience following sold-out performances in 2026. Performed without interruption or applause, the contemplative program invites audiences to pause, reflect and experience centuries of sacred music in a uniquely peaceful setting. Performances take place at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral and Camelback Bible Church.
“This season reflects everything that makes Phoenix Chorale unique,” says Artistic Director Christopher Gabbitas. “We’re honored to perform some of the greatest works ever written for choir while continuing to invest in the future of choral music through new commissions and collaborations. From the timeless beauty of Herbert Howells’ Requiem to the world premiere of Jennifer Lucy Cook’s National Parks, these performances invite audiences to experience music that inspires reflection, celebration and connection. We look forward to welcoming our community for a season that honors tradition while embracing what’s next.”
Season subscriptions are on sale now offering Early Bird pricing through August 31 plus exclusive subscriber benefits. Single tickets for all performances go on sale Sept 11 at 10 am at phoenixchorale.org.
For more information on Phoenix Chorale, visit phoenixchorale.org, or call 602-253-2224.
Life, Love, and Light
Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 100 W. Roosevelt St., Phoenix
Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Camelback Bible Church, 3900 E. Stanford Dr., Paradise Valley
One of the greatest works ever written for choir returns to the Phoenix Chorale stage. Herbert Howells’ deeply personal Requiem anchors a program exploring grief, healing and hope, alongside music by Adolphus Hailstork, Reena Esmail, Ingram Marshall and Ysaye M. Barnwell.
A Chorale Christmas
Friday, Dec. 18, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 100 W. Roosevelt St., Phoenix
Saturday, Dec. 19, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Camelback Bible Church, 3900 E. Stanford Dr., Paradise Valley
Sunday, Dec. 20, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Brophy Chapel, 4701 N. Central Ave., Phoenix
Monday, Dec. 21, 2026 at 7:30 PM
First United Methodist Church, 15 E. First Ave., Mesa
Celebrate the season with Phoenix’s annual holiday tradition. Artistic Director Christopher Gabbitas leads a festive program featuring Benjamin Britten’s beloved A Ceremony of Carols, seasonal favorites, audience carol singalongs and the North American premiere of Nowel El El by Piers Connor Kennedy.
National Parks: The Concert
Featuring: The Westerlies and Phoenix Children’s Chorus
Saturday, Jan. 30, 2027 at 3:00 PM
Sunday, Jan. 31, 2027 at 3:00 PM
Camelback Bible Church, 3900 E. Stanford Dr., Paradise Valley
Experience the world premiere of National Parks: The Concert, a new work by Phoenix Chorale Composer-in-Residence Jennifer Lucy Cook. Created in collaboration with acclaimed brass ensemble The Westerlies and featuring young singers from Phoenix Children’s Chorus, this narrative work celebrates the beauty, wonder and shared legacy of America’s national parks through music and storytelling.
Chant and Polyphony II: From Dusk till Dawn
Saturday, Apr. 24, 2027 at 3:00 PM
Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 100 W. Roosevelt St., Phoenix
Sunday, Apr. 25, 2027 at 3:00 PM
Camelback Bible Church, 3900 E. Stanford Dr., Paradise Valley
Following sold-out performances in 2026, Phoenix Chorale brings back its immersive sacred music experience. Performed without interruption or applause, Chant and Polyphony II: From Dusk till Dawn invites audiences into an hour of contemplative music spanning centuries, offering space for reflection, serenity and renewal.
NEW ALBUM RELEASE – SIGNUM RECORDS
Promised Land
October 2026
In honor of America’s 250th Anniversary, Phoenix Chorale will release a new recording of American Music on all major streaming platforms. Highlighting the Chorale’s rich signature sound, the album features selections of American spirituals, folksongs as well as three works from early American women composers arranged by Jennifer Lucy Cook, Phoenix Chorale’s Composer in Residence.
About Phoenix Chorale
As the only internationally recognized professional choral ensemble in the Valley, the Grammy® Award–winning Phoenix Chorale showcases the expert talents of Arizona’s highly trained and versatile singers, in performances celebrated for their technical agility and emotional impact.
Founded in 1958 and fully professionalized in 1994, Phoenix Chorale is regarded as one of North America’s leading ensembles in the western classical tradition and has been led since 2019 by British Artistic Director Christopher Gabbitas.
Phoenix Chorale continues to earn international recognition through its acclaimed recordings. Recent releases since 2024 on Signum Records have been praised by Gramophone as “expertly blended,” by BBC Music as “enviably smooth and sumptuous,” and by The Arts Desk as “imaginatively programmed and meticulously sung.”
The ensemble’s forthcoming album, Promised Land, featuring American choral music, will be released this fall.
Visit phoenixchorale.org to learn more.