CONSIDERING MATTHEW SHEPARD
by Craig Hella Johnson
Saturday, November 21st, 2026 at 7 P.M.
First Presbyterian Church, Galesburg, IL
Conducted by Dr. Tim Pahel
To open our season, we will perform the deeply moving contemporary work, which portrays the story of Matthew Shepard, the 21-year-old gay man who was brutally murdered in 1998, an event that shocked and moved people around the world and left them asking how something like this could have happened.
Considering Matthew Shepard invites us to explore this question from a perspective of shared humanity and ultimately of hope. The individual movements of this piece tell Matthew’s story from multiple and surprising perspectives, ranging from a tear trailing down his cheek to the Wyoming fence upon which he was left to die.
Featuring a wide variety of musical styles from Country to Classical and Musical Theatre to the Blues, we anticipate this piece will intrigue audiences on many different levels.
ONE VOICE
Jazz Ensemble, Millikin University
Tuesday March 23, 2027
First Presbyterian Church, Galesburg, Il
Directed by Alexandra Manfredo
More Concert Information TBA
*About OneVoice: Consistently recognized as a top premier collegiate vocal jazz ensemble in the United States, OneVoice blends traditional jazz with the leading edges of the genre. 2024 Recipients of three DownBeat Magazine Student Music Awards. Performers at 2022 Jazz Education National Network Conference, Dallas, TX and at the 2023 Illinois Music Educators Convention.
JUBILATE DEO
by Dan Forrest
Saturday, May 1st
Central Congregational Church, Galesburg, IL
GALESBURG COMMUNITY CHORUS & MONMOUTH COLLEGE CHORALE
Directed by Dr. Tim Pahel
For the triumphant end of our season, we will perform the rousing and visionary Jubilate Deo set in seven different languages--liturgical Latin, Hebrew, Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, Zulu, Spanish, and English. This surprising work samples a spectrum of musical inspirations and cultural styles, culminating in a universal triumph of joy as we sing “Omnis Terra, Jubilate!” Accompanied by orchestra, this exultant theme provides fitting inspiration as two choruses under Dr. Pahel unite in resounding and captivating collaboration.
This concert is given in honor of CHARLES J & MARY RUNYON GIBBS and sponsored by:
