Con Brio presents two concerts to celebrate our Nation’s 250th Birthday (1776-2026). These concerts feature a special program of All-American music.
Conducted by Dr. Chris Shepard, featuring well over 100 performers, with the Con Brio Chorus, the Con Brio Festival Orchestra, andwith special guest Soprano and Baritone soloists.
April 17, 2026 at 7 PM and April 19 2026 at 4 PM, Velley Regional High School, 256 Kelsey Hill Road, Deep River CT 06417.
Fanfare: The Stars & Stripes Forever, John Philip Sousa (orchestra)
The Star-Spangled Banner, arr. Hayes (chorus and orchestra)
The Testament of Freedom, Randall Thompson (chorus and orchestra)
The Mansions of the Lord, arr. Harlan & Rickets (chorus and string orchestra)
Battle Hymn of the Republic, arr. Wilhousky, (chorus and orchestra, with audience)
INTERMISSION
Will the Circle be Unbroken, arr. Moore (a cappella chorus)
Precious Lord, Take My Hand, arr. Sevier (a cappella chorus)
The Circus Band, Ives (chorus and 4-hand piano)
An Aaron Copland Suite
Old American Songs
At the River (chorus and orchestra)
The Little Horses (soprano solo and orchestra)
Zion’s Walls (baritone solo and orchestra)
The Tender Land
The Promise of Living (soprano & baritone soli, chorus and orchestra)
Make Our Garden Grow, from Candide, Bernstein (soprano & baritone soli, chorus and orchestra)
God Bless America, arr. Martin (chorus and orchestra, with audience)