No matter what may be happening here at home or far away, nothing feels more invigorating than to know that we identify and live in the land of the free and the home of the brave. This spring, the McDonough Choral Society (MCS) is leaning into that spirit, offering a musical blueprint of the American experience that is as much about our local roots as it is about our national identity.
Under the direction of Dr. John Orfe, the MCS will present “An American Celebration” at 7 p.m. Monday, April 27, at Wesley United Methodist Church. The program is a thoughtful, melodic refuge from the rush of modern life, focusing entirely on American composers and the diverse stories they tell.
This year’s performance carries extra weight as it commemorates both the 250th anniversary of the United States and the 200th anniversary of McDonough County. These songs are part of our local history, reflecting a legacy of endurance and aspiration. The repertoire spans from William Billings, the nation’s first published composer, to iconic texts by Walt Whitman and Robert Frost.
Just as America is the melting pot of the world, the concert will melt together voices that include its firstever collaboration with the Prairieland Barbershop Chorus. This partnership brings together three established McDonough County organizations, including a long-standing relationship with Western Illinois University. Accompanied by WIU staff pianist Paul Casiano, the ensemble will feature soloists Jonathan Enderle, a WIU student, and MCS soprano Halee Hendel. A centerpiece of the night will be Dr. Orfe’s performance of Louis Moreau Gottschalk’s “Union,” a virtuoso piano piece originally performed for Abraham Lincoln in 1864. The MCS will follow with Orfe’s original setting of Lincoln’s own texts, “Lincoln’s Dream,” before inviting the audience to join a finale of the “Battle Hymn of the Republic”.
This program serves as a musical affirmation of the liberty and enduring spirit that have defined our nation for 250 years. We warmly invite our neighbors and families to join us in this celebration of song and community. The event is non-ticketed, and everyone is welcome to stay for refreshments and fellowship following the performance.
