The McDonough Choral Society under the baton of Dr. John Orfe filled the Wesley United Methodist Church with jubilant song last Monday, April 27th for “An American Celebration” Spring Concert. Audience members came out despite the threat of bad weather to participate in the celebration of the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The program was a diverse selection of works drawing from composers across America’s history…from Revolutionary War times to modern times. Special musical guests, the Prairieland Barbershop Chorus provided a set of patriotic songs with their characteristic close, consonant four-part harmony, adding to the evening’s festivities. Director Orfe provided a powerful piano solo of Louis Moreau Gottschalk’s “Union”, earning a standing ovation in the middle of the concert.
The concert was brought to a stirring finale with the Prairieland Barbershop Chorus and the audience joining with the McDonough Choral Society in singing Peter Wilhousky’s arrangement of “Battle Hymn of the Republic”.
Plans are underway for a December 14, 2026 presentation of Messiah by G. F. Handel. If you would like to join the MCS in singing this fall, please contact Board President Lynn Johanson at [email protected].
