Con Brio’s musical retrospective joyfully embraces 250 years of American history, from Thomas Jefferson and 1776, to much-loved traditional American songs, John Philip Sousa, Spirituals, Irving Berlin, Aaron Copland, Yale’s own Charles Ives, and Bernstein on Broadway. Join the festivities!
These very special Gala concerts features over 100 performers: Con Brio chorus, soprano and tenor soloists, orchestra, conducted by Dr. Chris Shepard. April 17, 2026 at 7 PM and April 19 2026 at 4 PM, Valley Regional High School, 256 Kelsey Hill Road, Deep River CT 06417.
Stars & Stripes Forever
A choral celebration of our nation’s 250th birthday
March
The Stars & Stripes Forever, John Philip Sousa, USMC (orchestra)
The National Anthem
The Star-Spangled Banner, Smith, words Francis Scott Key, arr. Hayes (chorus and orchestra)
The Testament of Freedom, Randall Thompson, words from Thomas Jefferson, (chorus and orchestra)
I. A Summary View of the Rights of British America (1774)
II. and III. Declaration of Causes and Necessity of Taking up Arms (July 6, 1775)
IV. Letter to John Adams, (September 12, 1821)
The Mansions of the Lord, Glennie-Smith, arr. Harlan & Rickets, words Wallace, (chorus and string orchestra)
God Bless America, Irving Berlin, arr. Martin (chorus and orchestra, with audience)
Battle Hymn of the Republic, Steffe, arr. Wilhousky, words Howe, (chorus and orchestra, with audience)
INTERMISSION
Will the Circle be Unbroken, Trad. Appalachian, arr. Moore, Words Rose, Winter & Taylor (a cappella chorus)
Precious Lord, Take My Hand, Dorsey arr. Sevier (a cappella chorus)
The Circus Band, Ives (chorus and 4-hand piano: Chris Shepard and Kathleen Bartkowski)
An Aaron Copland Suite
Old American Songs arr. Copland
At the River, words and music by Rev. Robert Lowery (1865),(chorus and orchestra)
The Little Horses, Trad. (soprano solo and orchestra)
Zion’s Walls, Revivalist Song, words and music by John McCurry (1821-1886, (tenor solo and orchestra)
The Tender Land
The Promise of Living Copland, words Everett (soprano & tenor soli, chorus and orchestra)
Finale
Make Our Garden Grow, from Candide, Act II, Bernstein, words Wilbur (soprano & tenor soli, chorus and orchestra)
ADVANCE NOTICE FOR 2027
Con Brio’s Spring Concerts will be Saturday and Sunday April 17 and 18, 2027, at Valley Regional H.S.