American music lost an important voice in 2014. StephenPaulus, internationally-known for his choral compositions and operas, passed away at 65. One of his last major works was an opera for families based on a story by New Mexico writer Peggy Pond Church. Shoes for the Santo Niño was originally presented in 2011 by the University of New Mexico, which commissioned it, in conjunction with the Santa Fe Opera. The Opera brings it back this month for holiday performances.
Stephen Paulus joined us at KUNM in 2011 right before the premiere of Shoes for the Santo Niño. He shared his thoughts about writing an opera that's not only designed to appeal to children, but includes an important part for children's chorus as well.