July 29 – August 10, 2026
Concert News keeps you updated on the upcoming classical music performances in Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Los Alamos, Taos, and more! Hear Concert News each and every weekday at 9am on air! Submit your event information here.
Santa Fe Desert Chorale Presents:
Artist Spotlight Recital
Kathlene Ritch, soprano
Sylvia Leith, mezzo-soprano
Edmund Milly, bass-baritone
Nathan Salazar, piano
An afternoon of profound poetry and soaring melodies.
On Wednesday, July 29th, 4pm at St. Bede’s Episcopal Church, 550 W San Mateo Rd in Santa Fe. Information and tickets at desertchorale.org.
A Sanctuary of Sound
Continuing the tradition of presenting Sergei Rachmaninoff’s beautiful and deeply spiritual All-Night Vigil (popularly known as Vespers). This cornerstone of choral music consists of fifteen movements of unaccompanied voices creating a cathedral of sound.
On Thursday, July 30th, 7:30pm at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, 131 Cathedral Pl in Santa Fe.
Renaissance Splendor
A trip back in time to the heart of Spain and Italy, where Renaissance and Early Baroque music awaits. Twenty Desert Chorale artists–joined by theorbo, organ, and the early music ensemble Incantare perform.
On Saturday, August 1st, 7:30pm at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, 131 Cathedral Pl in Santa Fe.
Familiar Sights & New Horizons
A few featured works:
Alex Berko, Sacred Place
Taja Astar, Cranes Coming (premiere!)
This program celebrates the rich yet familiar sounds of American roots choral music.
On Sunday, August 2nd, 4pm at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, 131 Cathedral Pl in Santa Fe. A pre-concert video lecture, tickets and information at desertchorale.org.
Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival Presents:
Mozart & Arensky
Ran Dank, piano
Toby Appel & Steven Tenenbom, violas
Alan Gilbert & Jennifer Gilbert, violins
Paul Watkins, Kajsa William-Olsson, & Peter Wiley, cellos
Bart Feller, flute
Robert Ingliss, oboe
Danny Goldman, clarinet
Featured works:
Malcolm Arnold, Divertimento for Flute, Oboe, and Clarinet, Op. 37
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Piano Quartet in G Minor, K. 478
Anton Arensky, Quartet in A Minor for Violin, Viola, and Two Cellos, Op. 35
On Wednesday, July 29th, 6pm.
Nicolas Namoradze Piano Recital
Maurice Ravel, Pavane pour une infante défunte, Jeux d’eau, Miroirs & Daphnis and Chloé Suite No. 2 (arr. Nicolas Namoradze)
On Thursday, July 30th, 6pm.
Goldberg Variations for Two
Jennifer Gilbert & Alan Gilbert, violins
Paul Watkins, cello
Johann Sebastian Bach, Aria with Thirty Variations, BWV 988 & “Goldberg Variations” (arr. Dmitri Sitkovetsky)
On Saturday, August 1st, 5pm.
Schubert & Shostakovich
Nicolas Namoradze, piano
Alan Gilbert & Liang Ping-How, violins
Paul Neubauer, viola
Paul Watkins, cello
Bart Feller, flute
Danny Goldman, clarinet
Ted Soluri, bassoon
Featured works:
François Devienne, Trio for Flute, Clarinet, and Bassoon, Op. 61, No. 5
Franz Schubert, Sonata in A Minor for Viola and Piano, D. 821, Arpeggione
Dmitri Shostakovich, Piano Quintet in G Minor, Op. 57
On Sunday, August 2nd & Monday, August 3rd, 6pm. All performances in the St. Francis Auditorium at the New Mexico Museum of Art, 107 W Palace Ave in Santa Fe. Information and tickets at santafechambermusic.org.
BAM!! Insights on the Brain & Music: From Perception to Pleasure, the neuroscience of music and why we love it
Music has existed since prehistory because it helps us express and regulate emotions, and it brings us pleasure. This lecture is presented by
Robert Zatorre, PhD
Professor and Canada Research Chair in Auditory Cognitive Neuroscience, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, and Co-director, International Laboratory for Brain, Music, and Sound Research (BRAMS)
On Monday, August 3rd, 12pm.
Haochen Zhang Piano Recital
Pianist Haochen Zhang, who won the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition at the age of 19 and has been described as “an artist of rare talent” by Gramophone, gives a solo recital featuring two emotional piano sonatas.
Featured works:
Ludwig van Beethoven, Sonata in A-flat Major, Op. 110
Robert Schumann, Sonata in F-sharp Minor, Op. 11
On Tuesday, August 4th, 12pm.
Brahms & Dvořák
This intimate program features two lovely duets.
Featured works:
Manuel de Falla, Suite populaire espagnole for Cello and Piano (arr. from “Popular Spanish Songs” by Paul Kochanski and Maurice Marechal)
Antonin Dvorák, Terzetto in C Major, Op. 74
Johannes Brahms, Sonata in F Minor for Viola and Piano, Op. 120, No. 1
Nicolas Namoradze, piano
Paul Neubauer, viola
Ida Kavafian, viola & violin
Harvey de Souza, violin
Steven Tenenbom, viola
Paul Watkins, cello
On Wednesday, August 5th, 12pm.
Beethoven & Janáček
Haochen Zhang, piano
Jennifer Frautschi, Alan Gilbert, & Jennifer Gilbert, violins
Kajsa William-Olsson, cello
Anthony Manzo, double bass
Verona Quartet
David Shifrin, clarinet
Ted Soluri, bassoon
Julia Pilant, French horn
Featured works:
Leos Janácek, String Quartet No. 1, Kreutzer Sonata
Mieczysław Weinberg, Sonata No. 4 for Violin and Piano, Op. 39
Ludwig van Beethoven, Septet in E-flat Major, Op. 20
On Wednesday, August 5th, 6pm.
Orion Weiss Piano Recital
Orion Weiss has been hailed as a “brilliant pianist” by The New York Times and praised for his “head-spinning range of colors” by the Chicago Tribune.
Featured works:
Edvard Grieg, Improvisations on Two Norwegian Folk Songs, Op. 29
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Theme and Variations in F Major from Six Pieces for Solo Piano, Op. 19, No. 6
Samuel Barber, Nocturne (Homage to John Field), Op. 33 & Ballade, Op. 46
Aaron Copland, Piano Variations & El Salón México (transcr. Leonard Bernstein)
On Thursday, August 6th, 12pm.
New Music with the Jack Quartet
Featured works:
Paul Novak, New Work for String Quartet (Festival Commission, World Premiere)
Juri Seo, Three Imaginary Chansons
Baldwin Giang, New Work for String Quartet (Festival Commission, World Premiere)
Vincente H. Atria, Roundabout
On Friday, August 7th, 6pm.
Meng Su Plays Bach
For this solo recital, guitar sensation Meng Su—who’s been praised for her “pure musical alchemy” by the Courier & Press and hailed for her “star potential” by Classical Guitar magazine—plays three beloved works by Bach.
Featured works:
Suite No. 3 for Cello, BWV 1009 (transc. Koonce)
Prelude, Fugue, and Allegro in E-flat Major, BWV 998
Chaconne from Partita No. 2 in D Minor for Violin, BWV 1004 (trans. Segovia)
On Saturday, August 8th, 6pm.
Brahms & Ravel
Featured works:
Orion Weiss, piano
Jennifer Frautschi, violin
Ida Kavafian, violin & viola
Felix Fan, cello
Grace Browning, harp
Bart Feller, flute
Laura Arden & David Shifrin, clarinets
Maurice Ravel, Introduction and Allegro
Elizabeth Ogonek, New Work for Piano Quartet (Festival Commission, World Premiere 2026)
Johannes Brahms, Clarinet Quintet in B Minor, Op. 115
On Sunday, August 9th & Monday, August 10th, 6pm. All performances in the St. Francis Auditorium at the New Mexico Museum of Art, 107 W Palace Ave in Santa Fe. Information and tickets at santafechambermusic.org.
Robb Janov Music Presents:
Violin Jam
On Wednesday, July 29th, 6:30pm at M’tucci’s Bar Roma, 3222 Central Ave SE in Albuquerque. Information at robbjanov.com.
Albuquerque Concert Band Presents:
America the Beautiful
Jim Keene, conductor
A fun concert that celebrates this beautiful land of ours!
On Wednesday, July 29th, 7pm on the East Lawn at the Albuquerque International Balloon Museum, 9201 Balloon Museum Dr NE. A food truck will be available on site. Information at abqband.org.
Santa Fe Opera Presents:
Rodelinda
Queen Rodelinda navigates a dangerous political web to protect her throne and family while her love for her supposedly dead husband reignites in a dramatic clash of passion and ambition.
On Wednesday, July 29th, 8:30pm & Friday, August 7th, 8pm.
Eugene Onegin
With unbridled passion, devastating heartbreak and unspoken regret, Tatyana’s love is rejected by Onegin, who, a little too late, realizes his mistake. Don’t miss this unforgettable journey through longing, desire and the haunting question: What if?
On Friday, July 31st, 8:30pm & Thursday, August 6th, 8pm at the Santa Fe Opera.
Lili Elbe
Lili’s journey — marked by love, loss and self-discovery — is the true story of a Danish painter whose wife, Gerda Wegener, provided unwavering support as Lili became one of the first to undergo gender-affirmation surgery nearly a century ago.
Opens Saturday, August 1st, 8:30pm & Wednesday, August 5th, 8pm at the Santa Fe Opera. On Saturday KHFM will be in the parking lot tailgating with wine tasting from Vivác Winery from 6pm-7:45pm. We would love to see you!
Madama Butterfly
A Japanese girl sacrifices her heritage for the American dream when a naval officer chooses her for his bride. Her dream is crushed by betrayal when he traps her in the very cage she wishes to escape. She seizes her destiny, and the devastating outcome lingers long after the final note.
On Monday, August 3rd & Saturday, August 8th, 8pm at the Santa Fe Opera.
The Magic Flute
Imagine a magic flute that can tame the wildest of beasts. Can Prince Tamino and Papageno use it to save the princess Pamina? They embark on a fantastical quest – and along the way, they encounter enchanting characters and face daring trials.
On Tuesday, August 4th, 8pm at the Santa Fe Opera. Tickets and information at santafeopera.org.
Taos School of Music Presents:
Faculty Seminar: Ariel Quartet
TSoM faculty lead audiences through a work of music, with musical examples, stories, and insights from years of study and performance.
On Thursday, July 30th, 5pm at Rio Hondo Learning Center in Taos Ski Valley.
Young Artist Open Rehearsal
On Friday, July 31st, 3pm in the Blake lobby in Taos Ski Valley.
Faculty Masterclass: Ariel Quartet
Faculty coaching and concert preparation session.
On Saturday, August 1st, 4pm at Rio Hondo Learning Center in Taos Ski Valley.
Ariel Quartet with Thomas Sauer, piano
An intimate faculty performance.
Felix Mendelssohn, String Quartet in F Minor, Op. 80
Alban Berg, String Quartet, Op. 3
Johannes Brahms, Piano Quintet in F Minor, Op. 34
On Sunday, August 2nd, 5pm at the Taos Center for the Arts, 133 Paseo del Pueblo Norte.
Young Artist Concert
These young artists exhibit brilliance, intensity, and sheer musical energy. Selected from around the world, these gifted early-career musicians represent the next generation of classical music’s great performers.
On Saturday, August 8th, 5pm at Rio Hondo Learning Center in Taos Ski Valley. Also on Sunday, August 9th, 5pm at Taos Center for the Arts. Tickets and information at taosschoolofmusic.com.
First Presbyterian Church of Santa Fe Presents:
TGIF Concert Series
Organ Music for Praise & Reflection
Kimberly Marshall, organ
Featured works:
Dieterich Buxtehude, Magnificat Primi Toni, BuxWV 203
Jeanne Demessieux, Two Chorale Preludes on Gregorian Themes, Op. 8
Olivier Messiaen, Force et Agilité des Corps Glorieux from Les Corps Glorieux
Johann Sebastian Bach, Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jeu Christ, BWV 639 from Orgelbüchlein & Wir glauben all an einem Gott , BWV 680, from ClavierÜbung III
William Grant Still, Reverie
Charles-Marie Widor, Allegro moderato from Symphonie VI
On Friday, July 31st, 5:30pm at First Presbyterian Church, 208 Grant Ave in Santa Fe. Doors to the sanctuary open at 5:15pm.
Santa Fe Summer Organ Academy Participants
On Friday, August 7th, 5:30pm at First Presbyterian Church, 208 Grant Ave in Santa Fe. Doors to the sanctuary open at 5:15pm. Information at fpcsantafe.org.
Ay Mi Mexico Presents:
Gustavo Pimentel
A well-known classical guitarist who performs New Mexican music Spanish Art on the guitar including classical, jazz standards, flamenco, popular and spanish ballads.
On Friday, July 31st, 6-8pm at Ay Mi Mexico, 5015 Menaul Blvd NE in Albuquerque. gustavopimentel.net.
Chatter Presents:
Chatter North & Chatter Sunday: Summer Music
Jesse Tatum, flute
Melissa Peña, oboe
James Shields, clarinet
Nathan Ukens, horn
Judith Farmer, bassoon
John Barney (SF) & Betsy James (ABQ), spoken word
Featured works:
James Shields, Anemos Arcturus
Akshaya Tucker, Hold Sacred
Samuel Barber, Summer Music
On Saturday, August 1st, 10:30am at the Center for Contemporary Arts, 1050 Old Pecos Trail in Santa Fe. And Sunday, August 2nd, 10:30am at 912 3rd St NW in Albuquerque.
Cabaret
Jesse Tatum,flute
Melissa Peña, oboe
James Shields,clarinet
Nathan Ukens, horn
Judith Farmer, bassoon
Monica Ohuchi, piano
Samantha Bennett, violin
Featured works:
Valerie Coleman, Red Clay & Mississippi Delta
Kenji Bunch, Summer Hours
James Shields, Moderate, Turning
John Cage, Harmonies from Apartment House 1776
Luke Gullickson, Windrose
Samuel Barber, Summer Music
On Thursday, August 6th, 5pm in the Ventana Salon at the Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Rd NW. Information at chatterabq.org.
Late Works
Featured works:
Luke Gullickson, Lizard Prince of the Pale Forest
John Cage, Harmonies from Apartment House 1776
Gérard Grisey, Vortex Temporum
Jesse Tatum, flute
James Shields, clarinet
Samantha Bennett, violin
Laura Steiner, viola
Monica Ohuchi, piano
Luke Gullickson, Rhodes piano, mandocello
David Felberg, viola d’amore & conductor
On Friday, August 7th, 9pm at 912 3rd St NW in Albuquerque. Doors open at 8:15pm and a cash bar will be available provided by Rumor Brewing.
Chatter North & Chatter Sunday: Industrial Strength
James Shields, bass clarinet
Margot Schwartz & Elizabeth Young, violins
Laura Steiner, viola
Allison Rich, cello
Monica Ohuchi, piano
John Graham (SF) & Jessica Helen Lopez (ABQ), spoken word
Featured works:
Kenji Bunch, Industrial Strength
Florence Price, Piano Quintet No. 1
On Saturday, August 8th, 10:30am at the Center for Contemporary Arts, 1050 Old Pecos Trail in Santa Fe. And Sunday, August 9th, 10:30am at 912 3rd St NW in Albuquerque. Information and tickets at chatterabq.org.
Severall Friends Presents:
What’s Better Than One Harpsichord?
Keith Womer & Kathleen McIntosh, harpsichords
Kim Pineda, traverso
Music by Johann Sebastian Bach and Joseph Bodin de Boismortier.
On Saturday, August 1st, 12pm in Thaw Gallery at the New Mexico School for the Arts, 500 Montezuma in Santa Fe. Information at severallfriends.org.
San Miguel Chapel Presents:
Music of a Changing Earth
David Dash, trumpet
Katherine Gilger, violin
Performing international repertoire reflecting the beauty, fragility, and transformation of our planet.
On Saturday, August 1st, 3pm at San Miguel Chapel, 401 Old Santa Fe Trl in Santa Fe.
Opera Speakeasy
Leslie Dala, pianist & conductor
Anna Kelly, mezzo-soprano
A true salon concert on Santa Fe’s most beautiful patio with refreshments and gorgeous live music.
On Sunday, August 2nd, 5:30pm at Inn of the Five Graces, 150 E De Vargas in Santa Fe.
Opera Cellobration
Curated by Alastair Eng (Toronto Symphony Orchestra & Santa Fe Opera), this concert features cello quartets, a Carmen Fantasie for cello quintet, as well as 90’s rock performed by members of the Santa Fe Opera cello section.
On Saturday, August 8th, 3pm at San Miguel Chapel.
Concert à Cinq
Ruth Bennett, harp
Chris Schnell, cello
Kathleen Brauer, violin
Rachel Blumenthal, flute
Miranda Sielaff, viola
Presenting the first ever harp quintet performance in San Miguel Chapel featuring works by Jacques Ibert, Maurice Ravel, Joseph Jongen, and more.
On Sunday, August 9th, 3pm at San Miguel Chapel, 401 Old Santa Fe Trl in Santa Fe. Information and tickets at chambermusicsatsanmiguel.com.
Metropolitan Opera Presents:
Aida Live in HD
In this powerful 2025 Met performance, soprano Angel Blue sings the title role of Verdi’s Egyptian drama, with tenor Piotr Beczala as the warrior Radamès in Michael Mayer’s spectacular staging. Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts.
On Wednesday, August 5th, 1 & 6:30pm in select theatres in Albuquerque. Information and tickets at metopera.org/season/in-cinemas.
National Youth Opera Academy in collaboration with the Young Voices of the Santa Fe Opera Present:
Odyssey
Ben Moore, composer
Kelly Rourke, librettist
In this youth opera, Odysseus just wants to go home. After a decade of fighting the Trojan War, one more thing stands between him and his wife Penelope: a fantastical voyage packed with monsters, magic, and mayhem.
On Friday, August 7th, 5:30pm at the Lensic Center for the Performing Arts, 211 W San Francisco St in Santa Fe. Information and tickets at lensic.org.
Robb Janov Music Presents:
Violin Jam
On Friday, August 6th, 6:30pm at M’tucci’s Moderno, 1908 Wellspring Ave SE in Rio Rancho. Information at robbjanov.com.
Santa Fe Concert Band Presents:
Summer Concert
Continuing one of Santa Fe’s oldest traditions of public concerts by volunteer musicians. This tradition dates back to 1865.
On Sunday, August 9th, 4pm at Federal Park, 100 S Federal Pl in Santa Fe. Information at santafeconcertband.org.
The Lensic Performing Center for the Arts Presents:
Festival of Song
Lucy Crowe, soprano
Josh Lovell, tenor
Robert Tweten, piano
Lucy Crowe is equally at home in opera, concert, and recital, and appears regularly with many of the world’s leading opera houses, orchestras, and conductors. Josh Lovell is an incredibly versatile artist, his repertoire spans the Baroque to Romantic periods, as well as modern works of the 20th century.
On Sunday, August 9th, 4pm at First Presbyterian Church, 208 Grant Ave in Santa Fe. Information and tickets at lensic.org.
Rumor Brewing Presents:
The Wind Section
Wind trio playing classical and modern pieces on a multitude of wind instruments.
On Sunday, August 9th, 5pm at Rumor Brewing, 28 Arroyo Seco in Cedar Crest. Information at rumorbrewing.com.