Enhanced by stunning artistic projections and accompanied by professional instrumentalists, this performance showcases the National Symphonic Chorus on a program of works by renowned conductor/composer Jake Runestad, including Ritual, Wild Force, and Let My Love Be Heard.

The first half of the concert will highlight the National Youth Chorus, including works by Tracy Wong, B.E. Boykin, Carlos Cordera, and including a world premiere by composer Jorge A. Salazar.

MARCELA MOLINA, GUEST CONDUCTOR

Dr. Marcela Molina's choirs have been described as "simply astonishing," "powerful and mesmerizing," and "sublime sound coupled with mature stylistic sensitivity." She has been leading the Tucson Girls Chorus since 2006, initially serving as Artistic Director and becoming Executive Director in 2011. In addition to guiding the executive and artistic vision of the organization, she conducts the Advanced Choir (grades 9-12) and the Alumnae Choir. Under her leadership, the Tucson Girls Chorus has experienced significant growth in programming and community engagement, transforming into a vibrant and collaborative organization that offers inclusive programming for youth and provides resources and support to music educators year-round. TGC has often been invited to share programming strategies as an example of innovative initiatives.

Born in Bogotá, Colombia, Dr. Molina began her musical studies as a classical guitar major and later pursued choral conducting at Javeriana University in Bogotá, Colombia. She 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. In 2019, she was named Choral Director of the Year by the Arizona American Choral Directors Association (AzACDA). Dr. Molina frequently serves as a clinician and guest conductor for choral festivals across the country. She has served on the board of AzACDA, on standing committees for the ACDA Western Division, and currently serves on the boards of ACDA Western Division and Chorus America. Additionally, Dr. Molina is the Director of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra Chorus.

JAKE RUNESTAD, GUEST CONDUCTOR

Considered “one of the best of the younger American composers” (Chicago Tribune), EMMY®-winning and GRAMMY®-nominated composer and conductor Jake Runestad has received commissions and performances from leading ensembles and organizations such as Washington National Opera, the Los Angeles Master Chorale, the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra & Chorus, the Pacific Symphony & Chorale, True Concord Voices & Orchestra, the Netherlands Radio Choir, the Philippine Madrigal Singers, Seraphic Fire, the Santa Fe Desert Chorale, and many more. “The Hope of Loving,” the first album dedicated to Jake’s choral music, recorded by professional American choir Conspirare, received a GRAMMY® nomination. In 2019, Jake became one of the youngest composers ever awarded the prestigious Raymond C. Brock commission by the American Choral Directors Association. “Earth Symphony,” Jake’s ground-breaking choral symphony written with librettist Todd Boss, earned a 2022 EMMY® Award for musical composition. Jake’s visceral music and charismatic personality have fostered a busy schedule of commissions, residencies, workshops, and conducting engagements, enabling him to share his passion for creativity, expressivity, and community with musicians around the world.

Dubbed a “choral rockstar” by American Public Media, Jake is one of the most frequently performed composers of concert music. His thoughtful and compelling works “that speak to some of the most pressing and moving issues of our time” (Star Tribune), have been heard in thousands of performances across the globe. Jake Runestad holds a Master’s degree in composition from the Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University where he studied with Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Kevin Puts. 

JORGE A. SALAZAR, COMPOSER-IN-RESIDENCE

His career includes winning the first prize at the Alberto Grau CICCAG International Choral Composition Competition. He also won the first prize at the OFB choral composition competition for two years (2014-2015) and received an honorable mention at the national competition of the Ministry of Culture for choral composition and chamber ensemble in 2016 for his piece, “El Renacuajo Paseador.”

Salazar’s compositions are performed by many choirs across Colombia, and he regularly collaborates with various vocal ensembles in the country. His works often incorporate elements of popular music from his region and blend Colombian and Latin American rhythms with academic language, creating a unique sound.

In addition to composing, Jorge Alejandro Salazar is a skilled conductor. He earned his master’s degree in orchestral conducting from the Universidad Nacional de Colombia and the Artist Diploma in Orchestral Conducting at the Lamont School of Music, University of Denver. He was a semifinalist in the Cadaqués International Conducting Competition in 2010 and received the best conductor award at the VI International Choir Festival in Santander.

PROGRAM

Monday April 13, 2026 at 7:30 PM
MEYERSON SYMPHONY CENTER

National Youth Chorus 
Marcela Molina, guest conductor

AYANNA WOODS To Propagate a Home
SHERRYL SEWEPAGAHAM Kahkiyaw Oskâyak (All the Young People)
CARLOS CORDERO Vuela
SYDNEY GUILLAUME Twa Tanbou
JORGE ALEJANDRO SALAZAR Commissioned Piece (World Premiere)
TRACY WONG Jam! (Jom-Ayuh-Mari!)
B.E. BOYKIN Music Of Life
SHRUTHI RAJASEKAR Heart Of Earth

National Symphonic Chorus 
Jake Runestad, guest conductor 

JAKE RUNESTAD Ritual
JAKE RUNESTAD Wild Force
JAKE RUNESTAD Let My Love Be Heard
JAKE RUNESTAD Proud Music of the Storm