High Desert Choir, a free collaborative vocal group to foster connection among a vast desert community.

The Choir supports dialogue and action around community needs of mental health, civic engagement and environmental conservation. Riggs describes the choir process as “Social Sound Sculpture” and the project will culminate with “Distance Duet,” a series of outdoor public performances in the bouldered wash at A-Z West, from Nov. 22–23, 2024.

With a deep understanding of the transformative power of collaborative songwriting, Carolyn Pennypacker Riggs will lead the Choir, creating an inclusive space for participants to express themselves through collective vocalization. Choir members will sing original music—composed by Pennypacker Riggs—that reflects the woes and wonders of High Desert living. Local artist and choreographer Caroline Partamian will also collaborate with the Choir to lead performance movements.

These rehearsals culminate in a new  performance, “Distance Duet,” a dance opera that considers intersecting griefs of climate emergency, isolation, and division as catalysts for transformation and connection. Engaging themes of local ecology, the site specific project centers on non-human narratives—stones, wind, water, and desert grasses—that operate in dramatically different geologic time scales and rhythms. This must-see performance is made for and about the High Desert. 

High Desert Choir and “Distance Duet” are made possible with generous funds through The Puffin Foundation and individual donations. This activity is funded in part by the California Arts Council, a state agency.