FebFest 2024 with Dr. Anton Armstrong
FebFest 2024 was a rousing success!
On February 24, 2024, we welcomed the internationally-known conductor, Dr. Anton Armstrong, to the United Church of Santa Fe, where he worked all day with a festival chorus of singers from around New Mexico to prepare four anthems for a concert the next day. Then, on Sunday afternoon, February 25th, this ad hoc chorus performed, along with the Coro Lux Oratorio Society, as well as our El Faro Youth Chorus (under the direction of Dr. Gabby Dietrich). The final program also included Elizabeth Young, violin; Hovey Dean Corbin, drums; and our pianists Dr. Mary Ann Ybarra and Raul Manjarrez. Readings, chosen by Talitha Arnold, were interspersed with the music, and read by the Rev. Arnold, and Artistic Director Bradley Ellingboe.
The final concert took place in the sanctuary of Santa Maria de la Paz Catholic church in Santa Fe and was attended by several hundred people. A free-will offering was taken to benefit Book Kids in Santa Fe and The Grief Center in Albuquerque. Thanks to the generosity of the audience, we’re pleased to say we were able to send each charity a check for $950.
A link to the final concert, as well as a copy of the readings, is found below. Well done, everyone!