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American Voices

The Arizona Repertory Singers celebrates the 250th birthday of the United States with their spring program, American Voices. The concerts assemble some of the most renowned composers from across genres and U.S. history in a program sure to engage, enthrall, and illuminate. 

From American Spirituals to 21st-century classics, the program spans the breadth of American musical history and styles. Highlights include Moses Hogan’s I’m Gonna Sing ‘Til the Spirit Moves In My Heart, Stacey Gibbs’ Didn’ My Lord Deliver Daniel, Aaron Copland’s Zion’s Walls, and Rene Clausen’s arrangement of the familiar Shaker tune, Simple Gifts.

Audiences will also recognize beloved pop selections such as Paul Simon’s Bridge Over Troubled Water alongside 21st-century choral works by Eric Whitacre and Stephen Paulus. 

American Voices is a musical time capsule of the American experiment—always in progress, never relenting, tackling the challenges and obstacles, paving the way for a bright and brighter future. 

April 18 & 19 | 3pm at Christ Church United Methodist
April 26 | 4pm at St. Mark Catholic Church

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Honorees | Spring Gala 2024

Dr. Marcela Molina

Dr. Molina has been leading the Tucson Girls Chorus since 2006, first serving as Artistic Director and taking the helm as Executive Director in 2011. Under Dr. Molina’s guidance, the Tucson Girls Chorus has grown significantly in programming and community engagement. With her leadership, the TGC has transformed into a vibrant and collaborative organization that creates access to inclusive programming for youth, and provides resources to music educators and support to their classroom all year-round. In addition to her work with the TGC, Dr. Molina serves as Director of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra Chorus.

Born in Bogotá, Colombia, Dr. Marcela Molina holds degrees from Westminster Choir College and the University of Arizona. She has contributed articles to Antiphon, and the books Teaching through Performance in Choir, Volume 2 and Choral Reflections: Insights from American Choral Conductor-Teachers. She was named 2019 Choral Director of the Year by Arizona American Choral Directors Association (AzACDA), and she often serves as a clinician and guest conductor for choral festivals around the country. Dr. Molina has served on the board of the AzACDA as well as standing committees for ACDA Western Division. She currently serves on the board of Chorus America.

Dr. Julian Ackerley

Director of the Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus since 1980, Julian Ackerley has achieved acclaim as an accomplished conductor and administrator. He has taken the choristers on performance tours spanning five continents and over 30 countries. Under his direction, the Chorus has made numerous recordings and has collaborated with national symphony orchestras. The state’s highest arts commendation, The Governor’s Arts Award, was presented to the Chorus

Dr. Ackerley is an experienced teacher, having taught music at all levels from elementary to university students. He received his doctor of musical arts degree from the University of Arizona with emphasis in music education, vocal performance and choral conducting. He is a frequent guest clinician.

Dr. Ackerley served as the National Boychoir Chair for the American Choral Directors Association and is a specialist in working with boys emerging voices. His Chapter “Oh Brother! Success with Boy Singers” is published in Voices in Harmony, Youth Choir Leadership, Education, and Artistry. He was selected Choral Director of the Year by the Arizona ACDA Chapter.

In partnership with his wife Jane, Dr. Ackerley’s dedication to artistic quality and the well-being of his choristers has been key in building the international reputation of the Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus.

Thrilling!

The Arizona Repertory Singers thanks the greater Tucson community for its support of the “Women in Winter” performances. We were thrilled to share this beautiful music with such large and enthusiastic audiences!

—Craig Sale
ARS President

Tucson Museum of art

Arizona Repertory Singers perform ’Sunset’ from Stephen Chatman’s choral collection, Due West in the museum Gallery at the Tucson Museum of Art by invitation on March 11, 2018 during TMA’s Second SundAZe Family Day for Museum visitors and guests.