GALESBURG — The Galesburg Community Chorus will present its fall concert, An American Tapestry, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, at First Presbyterian Church, 101 N. Prairie St.
The performance will feature Randall Thompson’s Frostiana and Alex Berko’s Sacred Place, two works exploring American poetry and the natural world. Poet and Monmouth College professor David Wright will introduce both pieces and read a newly composed poem during the concert.
Tickets are $20 for adults, $17 for seniors 65 and older, and free for students. They are available in advance at our.show/gccanamericantapestry or at the door.
Thompson’s Frostiana, Seven Country Songs, composed in 1959, sets seven poems by Robert Frost to music, including “The Road Not Taken.” A chamber orchestra will accompany the chorus. Berko’s Sacred Place, composed in 2023, sets texts about the beauty and sanctity of the environment for chorus, violin, cello and piano.
Director Tim Pahel, now in his 25th year leading the chorus, said “Frostiana is a classic of American choral music, bringing to life the simplicity and folk-like quality of the poetry while also featuring so much variety, including songs that are beautiful and lyrical, others that are humorous, and still others that are mysterious and haunting. Sacred Place is very moving and beautiful, with a huge range of emotions and musical styles across its six movements. We have loved working on this music and are excited to share it with our community.”
The concert is sponsored by Cornucopia Natural Market & Deli, with additional support from the Galesburg Community Foundation and the Illinois Arts Council.
The Galesburg Community Chorus, directed by Pahel, is the oldest community music organization in the Galesburg area and is currently celebrating its 80th anniversary.
