The Gloria Musicae Singers Present
American Tapestry
July 4 at 4:30 p.m.
First United Methodist Church, Sarasota
The Gloria Musicae Singers salute Independence Day with rousing songs celebrating America, including “We Hold These Truths” by John Purifoy, “An American Celebration,” arranged by Brant Adams, three American folk songs arranged by Sally Lamb McCune, a musical salute to the U.S. Armed Forces arranged by Joseph Holt, and a special medley celebrating the 50th anniversary of “The Sound of Music.”
(Sarasota, FL) Sarasota’s Gloria Musicae Singers, under the direction of Dr. Joseph Holt, celebrate Independence Day with “American Tapestry,” featuring rousing songs celebrating America, July 4, 4:30 p.m., at First United Methodist Church, 104 S. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota. The concert features traditional patriotic songs and also includes the oratorio “We Hold These Truths” by John Purifoy, three American folk songs arranged by Sally Lamb McCune, “An American Celebration,” arranged by Brant Adam, a musical salute to the U.S. Armed Forces arranged by Joseph Holt, and a special medley celebrating the 50th anniversary of “The Sound of Music.” Ample free parking is available at the Zenith Garage on Mira Mar Court, held open until 10 pm. Tickets are $30 for general admission in advance ($35 at the door); student tickets are $15 at the door on day of concert. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.gloriamusicae.org or call 941-953-3368.
“This concert features songs that are all about the love of country,” says Dr. Joseph Holt, Gloria Musicae’s artistic director. “Inspiring patriotism through music, hearing the words that define our nation, and singing the national songs of America is a great way to celebrate the land we love and honor.”
Holt explains that he chose arrangements by three celebrated contemporary composers to be included in the concert. “We Hold These Truths,” an oratorio written by the contemporary composer John Purifoy, features patriotic literature, including the Preamble to the Constitution, the Gettysburg Address and part of the speech President Kennedy was scheduled to give in Dallas in 1963. It also quotes Abraham Lincoln, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Eleanor Roosevelt. “This work is moving and energetic and will stir the soul of everyone in the hall,” says Holt.
The concert also includes Brant Adams’ “An American Celebration,” featuring his arrangements of “This is a Great Country,” “This is My Country,” “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” “America,” “America the Beautiful” and “God Bless America.”
Described as “contemporary, edgy, descriptive, and extremely soulful,” Sally Lamb McCune is regarded as a rising American composer. Her work, “Come ‘Round Right: Three American Folk Songs,” includes “Simple Gifts,” “When Johnny Comes Marching Home,” and “Get off the Track.” Holt says that part of his artistic goal in creating an annual tribute to America, is “to include music that is part of our heritage, the fabric of who we are as Americans. These three selections by Sally Lamb McCune commemorate the 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War in 1865.”
The concert also features a medley celebrating the 50th anniversary of “The Sound of Music.” Songs include “The Sound of Music,” “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” and “Climb Ev’ry Mountain.”
“Who hasn’t experienced the wonder and joy of the 1965 movie release of ‘The Sound of Music?'” asks Holt. “With Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer and a memorable cast, this movie represents the yearning for freedom inherent in all human beings and, as a metaphor, the unique challenge that faced the British colonists who stood up against tyranny and injustice in search of freedom for all.”
A traditional part of every July 4th Gloria Musicae concert features a salute to the men and women who have served or currently serve in the military. “It’s our way of recognizing and honoring those who have dedicated themselves to the service of the United States,” says Holt, adding that this concert will feature a musical salute to the U.S. Armed Forces that he arranged.
“This July 4th concert is the perfect prelude to an evening of downtown dining and enjoying the fireworks over Sarasota Bay,” says Holt. “There’s no better way to celebrate our great heritage and national pride!”
About the Gloria Musicae Singers
The Gloria Musicae Singers is a professional vocal ensemble that celebrates choral music through innovative performances. The critically acclaimed group, under the artistic direction of Dr. Joseph Holt, performs a repertoire spanning four centuries, and includes orchestral works, intimate madrigals, church motets, folk songs, close-harmony jazz, and Broadway show music. The ensemble also specializes in premiere performances of lesser-known choral works, particularly music by living American composers. The Gloria Musicae Singers has performed premieres by René Clausen, Dick Hyman, Robert Levin, Gwyneth Walker, and James Grant, along with the premiere of a new edition of a rarely heard score by Rossini. For more information about Gloria Musicae, visit www.gloriamusicae.org.
