Celebrating America’s 250th birthday

By Jude Mead

The Litchfield County Choral Union (LCCU) brought its 2026 summer season to a stirring close on Sunday, Aug. 2, with “From Roots to Promise: Singing America at 250,” an ambitious program that celebrated the country’s musical traditions while looking toward its future. The concert featured the LCCU anthem “Sweet Is the Work,” based on an early 18th-century hymn by Isaac Watts and arranged by Robbins Battell in the mid-19th century. But the program also ventured into less familiar territory for the 70-member regional chorus, including bluegrass and contemporary choral works.

“Along with the music we sing at every concert, we added Carol Barnett’s ‘The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass,’ as well as Cecilia McDowall’s ‘Everyday Wonders: The Girl from Aleppo’ and Paul Haley’s ‘Freedom Trilogy,’ which includes a Gregorian chant,” said Felix Graham-Jones, who has sung with the Choral Union for nearly 40 years and currently serves as its president. Some of the works were accompanied by a distinctly American combination of instruments, including banjo, fiddle, mandolin, guitar and bass, bringing bluegrass textures to the traditional choral setting.

Under the direction of artistic director Dr. Gabriel Löfvall, the chorus tackled a demanding program that moved between American folk traditions, contemporary choral music and works centered on themes of freedom, hope and resilience. “Some of the music we performed is considered demanding to sing, but our director knew we were up for the challenge,” Graham-Jones said.

The concert took place in the Battell Music Shed, a fitting setting for a performance rooted in American musical history. The redwood structure was built in 1906 specifically for the Choral Union and has served as the organization’s longtime summer home. More than a century later, the acoustically designed hall continues to link the ensemble’s present-day performances with its deep regional roots. That connection between past and future was at the heart of the season finale. By combining historic works, contemporary compositions and the unmistakable sounds of American folk music, “From Roots to Promise” offered a musical reflection on a nation approaching its 250th birthday.

The program also celebrated more than 125 years of the Litchfield County Choral Union, an organization whose history is deeply intertwined with the musical life of the region. At the same time, the concert pointed toward an American future shaped not by a single musical tradition, but by the many voices, cultures and sounds that continue to define the country. Graham-Jones also reminded the community that the Litchfield County Choral Union will once again host its annual Youth Choir Festival in the coming year. “All interested parties are welcome, and that includes singers, parents and volunteers,” he said.

For information about the upcoming Youth Choir Festival, contact Graham-Jones at president@litchfieldcountychoralunion.com or Andrea Lawrence at registrar@litchfield countychoralunion.com.