Page 58 - NovemberDecember25

Focus Section

A Bigger Table

(Part 1 of 3)

One of the many wonderful things about working at
The University of Arizona is living in Tucson, a UNESCO
World City of Gastronomy with a rich culinary heritage that
spans 5,000 years. On any given day, I can opt to enjoy not
only the traditional Mexican and Native food and drink of
this region, but also an abundance of food from around the
world, proudly and lovingly prepared and shared, including
Bosnian, Danish, Eritrean, Ethiopian, Jamaican, Korean,
Persian, Peruvian, Polish, Puerto Rican, Salvadorian, Syrian,
Turkish and Vietnamese, as well as regional American foods,
and many more and perhaps more familiar cuisines. What a
joy it is to savor this food, and to learn about these traditions
and cultures from those who know it, live it, and love it.
Likewise, this section of the Choral Journal is a rich banquet
of information about music spanning countries, regions,
traditions and ethnicities, and representing a variety of
populations. Each section in this three-part series includes
two feature articles that provide in-depth information on lesser-
known composers and/or works, generously researched and
shared by exceptional scholars. Each issue also will contain a
curated review section highlighting three choral reviews and
one sound review of beautiful music that is likely new to many.
In the third and final installment of this section (March/April
2026), Erik Peregrine will offer a menu of valuable resources
to support and facilitate personal exploration of a wide range
of musics. What a gift and a delight to be able to experience
and learn about all of the powerful and moving music shared
in this focus section, proudly and lovingly shared with our
community by this joyful company of scholars. I invite you
to pull a chair up to the table and try something new from
the abundance before you.

Elizabeth Schauer (she/her)
Director of Choral Activities
University of Arizona School of Music

Original watercolor copyright
Tammy Bummell

56 CHORAL JOURNAL November/December 2025 Volume 66 Number 4