NMPAS is the leading nonprofit performing arts organization in New Mexico that exclusively uses and develops New Mexican talent.  We bring high quality performances to communities throughout the state, we train talented young people to become even better performers, and we do so with a sustainable model that both pays our artists a living wage and keeps our overhead costs low.

NMPAS currently presents The Chapel Series at Immaculate Heart, The New Mexico Bach Society, and Santa Fe Flute Immersion, an international flute and performance skills masterclass with outstanding teachers and innovative workshops, in the relaxed setting of the Immaculate Heart Retreat Center.

AND, You can hear our concerts in communities around New Mexico.

Praise for NMPAS

“The concert was stunning. I cannot believe that this chorus and orchestra have not been working together for years. You both did an amazing job in organizing and preparing this. And Franz, the performance was so musical and well-paced- phrasing, nuances, and dynamics etc. … I thought all of the soloists were excellent. With a concert like this, I hope you will find many more backers- individuals and foundations so that you can expand on this. Let us know when you plan to have the next concert.” – Judith Auer, Voice teacher, Boulder, Colorado

The NMPAS educational program addresses two areas of need: supplementation of pre-college music study and professional training for advanced students and recent graduates of New Mexico universities. We do this through Santa Fe Flute Immersion, an annual educational program for ages fourteen and older that includes master classes and performance skills for flute, voice, and other instruments. Our professional training program gives aspiring performing artists their first opportunities to rehearse and perform alongside outstanding New Mexico professionals.

Many participants in the program have told us that the experience was pivotal for them and their students. Here are a few emails that NMPAS has received from participants in these programs:

Santa Fe Flute Immersion

“Your program is really fantastic…. The participants were really fortunate to be exposed to a wealth of opportunities! I was really impressed with all the classes that you offered and the caliber of your visiting teachers. Thanks again for all your kindness and for letting me personally participate in the immersion. ” – Daniel Sharp, Sales and Service Associate, Verne Q. Powell Flutes, Inc., an ongoing sponsor of Flute Immersion

“I wanted to write you to express my appreciation for the opportunity to attend the Santa Fe Flute Immersion, and a special thank you for the scholarship that I was given. Without the scholarship, I would not have been able to attend the program, which would have been a terrible shame because I learned so much throughout the week. Being able to meet and learn from great teachers, and play with great musicians was a very meaningful experience. Once again, thank you for extending this opportunity to me, I appreciate your generosity.” – Emily Ramsey, Junior, University of New Mexico Albuquerque

NMPAS Professional Training Program

“My name is Dr. Andre Garcia-Nuthmann. I have been performing with NMPAS for over five years. In that time New Mexico Highlands University and NMPAS have had the tremendous opportunity to work with [NMPAS Artistic Director] Maestro Franz Vote. These collaborations with Maestro and NMPAS have been a priceless and inspirational gift to my students. To be able to work with a world-renowned conductor is very rare in our isolated community. Maestro Vote is certainly one of the greatest conductors we have ever had the privilege to work with. He’s got such amazing knowledge and is so eager to share his immense musicianship. Maestro Vote is also very humble and patient. These qualities inspire his musicians to give their utmost in performance. This is what brings out creativity and excellence in my students.” – Dr. Andre Garcia-Nuthmann, Chair, Music Department, New Mexico Highlands University, Las Vegas, NM

“As a master’s degree candidate in oboe performance at The University of New Mexico, I have appreciated the chance to gain more professional experience performing with NMPAS. I have found it especially valuable because my main interests and career goals lie in early music, and NMPAS frequently performs the works of baroque masters, especially J. S. Bach. I will look forward to continuing to perform with them post-graduation, as I intend to remain in New Mexico.” – Corey Sweeney, University of New Mexico Albuquerque

“I just wanted to say thank you so much for your genuine praise regarding the opera performance in Bandelier [September 15, 2018]. It means so very much to me when someone recognizes my passion for music and lets me know I’ve succeeded in relaying that in performance. It means even more to me coming from someone like you, who has made an incredible career in music and continues to give of your talents every day. Our community cherishes you, and of course Linda, for your continuous efforts to raise up our local musicians and bring us to the forefront like we deserve. It has been a pleasure for me to work with this group, and I look forward to many more incredible concerts! Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart.” – Jennifer Perez, University of New Mexico Albuquerque graduate who auditioned for and began singing professionally as a trainee with NMPAS at the age of 20.

NMPAS seeks to build on its history of high quality performances by New Mexican artists. We envision an even stronger nonprofit organization with a renewed emphasis on developing and showcasing exceptional New Mexican talent, on broadening our reach throughout the state, and on developing a succession plan for the organization’s leadership. NMPAS has been and will continue to be a careful steward of its resources, both artistic and financial. We welcome philanthropic investment to help us bring more beauty, joy, and exceptional performances to our community.

Linda Marianiello, President
Franz Vote, Vice President
Esther Moses Bergh, Secretary
David G. Ponder, Treasurer
Allan Affeldt, Board Member at Large
David Van Winkle, Board Member at Large

Praise for NMPAS
“The Trust Board Members that attended were uniformly laudatory of the concert! Comments included appreciation of the caliber of musicians assembled both in the chorus and the orchestra … I earlier said that I thought your performance would be definitive. It was and is. – and so full of musical sense and sensitivity. Thanks so much for all that you brought to this project!” – James Bonnell, Chair, the UNM John Donald Robb Musical Trust, Albuquerque, NM

NMPAS Advisory Board

Aaron Alter, Composer
James Bonnell, Madden Hosea & Associates, Recipient of the 2019 New Mexico Platinum Award for Lifetime Achievement in Music Education and Classical Performance
André García-Nuthmann, Chair, Music Department, New Mexico Highlands University
Kayla Paulk, Instructor of Music, Eastern New Mexico University
Elliot Stern, Business Development, Amenergy, Inc.
Rachel de W. Wixom, President/CEO, The Ralph T. Coe Center for the Arts

John F. Andrews
Bob Ansheles
John Berkenfield
Chuck Case
Linda Childers, Founder
Monika Cosson, Founder
Donna Elliot
Robert Glick
Scott Haley
Christopher Ihlefeld, Founder
Brian Lee
Peter Merrill
Lori Stevens

Contact us at info@nmpas.org