Border CrosSing

WHO WE ARE

Border CrosSing integrates diverse audiences and musicians through the performance of choral music.

We journey beyond the borders of traditional classical choral music. We bring the vocal music of the Americas into the light—religious and secular masterpieces that have been lost to the past, indigenous works with regional significance; newer music with cultural and social relevance. We enact the music of festivals, of burials, of community ritual and daily life. We sing in Spanish, English, Nahuatl, Kichua, Portuguese, Latin, and more. We traverse borders—real and perceived. We are Border CrosSing. Join us!

WHAT WE DO

PUENTES (Bridges)

"It made me connect with mi Latinidad... Thanks for leading this meaningful project. I’m so glad I’m part of it." –Member, Puentes Ensemble

We perform vocal music that connects artists and audiences. Led by artistic director Ahmed Anzaldúa, Puentes is an auditioned vocal ensemble that fills the space with stirring sounds and compelling narratives. Puentes has collaborated with many groups, including the Minnesota Orchestra, the Schubert Club, and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, performing in concert halls, churches, schools, and other community spaces. Concerts are multilingual, with a particular focus on underrepresented Latinx composers.

EDUCATION

"It really does feel amazing having a group represent my culture. Even today it’s very dangerous to be a Latina girl. I feel very safe when I hear your music." –Elementary School Student

¡Dale!, our education outreach program, brings music spanning four centuries and five languages from across the Americas to schools. Music educator, director, and singer Natalia Romero Arbeláez leads Border CrosSing teaching artists who take students on a musical and cultural journey.

HERITAGE CHOIR (Bilingual)

"I wish more people knew: we can do this - multi-languages, none, little or a lot of training, come as you are. There is a space for you." —Member, Heritage Choir

We celebrate our cultural heritages through song. Centering personal stories of participants in this non-auditioned group, we learn how music weaves into the fabric of our day-to-day lives. Natalia Romero Arbeláez leads the lively, fun rehearsals conducted in both Spanish and English. Singers over the age of 14 and from all backgrounds are warmly welcomed. Heritage Choir performs at Community Singing Events where we welcome any member of the local community to share in the music, group singing, coffee, and pan dulce.

SHEET MUSIC
We are proud to make Border CrosSing’s music and arrangements available to the public through our sheet music publications distributed by Graphite Publishing. We feature works and arrangements by living composers and new performing editions of historical Latin American vocal music.

“I’ve never had a chance to clap and holler for other Indigenous people at a classical music concert before and I teared up yesterday. Thank you for the opportunity.” –Member, Puentes Ensemble

WE ARE GRATEFUL

• Our 2019 performance of Osvaldo Golijov’s La Pasión según San Marcos with the Minnesota Orchestra was named one of the year’s best concerts by the Star Tribune.
• In 2020, we received the ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming by Chorus America.
• Our first studio album, Un milagro de fe / A Miracle of Faith, celebrates BIPOC composers from across the Americas.
• Our second album, Aquí te amo / Here I Love You, features two choral works from Mexico’s colonial period, two zambas by Carlos Guastavino, two songs from the Cardenche tradition of Sapioriz, Mexico, and two première recordings: Modesta Bor's "Aquí te amo" and Carol Barnett's "A Tree Telling of Orpheus."

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