Downers Grove Choral Society to premier new works celebrating America’s 250th anniversary
New works celebrate the values of American democracy and Hope for the Future
On Sunday, April 26, the Downers Grove Choral Society invites the community to join in a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with a presentation of the Illinois premier of two vibrant new works “U.S.” and “Redeem the Dream.”
The concert is part of the nationwide Sing Democracy 250 — All America Program, through which choirs will highlight our constitutional values and civic engagement in an uplifting combination of jazz, gospel, and contemporary choral movements.
The concert will be held at 4 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 1032 Maple Ave. in Downers Grove.
“In times of turmoil and contention, it is so important to step back and look at the unifying principles the Founding Fathers had in mind for the United States,” said Lori Bush Shepard, president of the Downers Grove Choral Society. “The choral works urge us to be the best citizens we can be, through the words of leaders and thinkers from all facets of the political and social spectrum, paired with absolutely sublime music.”
“We are honored to be accepted into the Sing Democracy 250 initiative and the first Illinois choir to present this inspirational and uplifting musical program,” said DGCS Artistic Director John Patrick Rakes. “An interesting note is that four prominent Illinoisans are among those quoted in the works — Presidents Abraham Lincoln, Ronald Reagan, and Barack Obama, as well as U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi.”
Attendees will have an opportunity to write a birthday greeting card for America to express their wishes for our country’s future, some of which will be presented after intermission.
In Sing Democracy 250’s call for civic engagement through song, choirs from across the country, of all sizes, traditions, and backgrounds, have been encouraged to create and share their own performances as part of this commemorative program.
Participating ensembles receive free copies of the newly commissioned pieces, empowering communities everywhere to mark America’s 250th anniversary through these unique new works. As of October 2025, the program had commitments for 89 planned performances in 2026 across 37 states and the District of Columbia.
About the newly commissioned works:
• “Redeem the Dream,” composed by Dr. Brandon A. Boyd:
“Redeem the Dream” is based on Langston Hughes’ poem “Let America Be America Again,” written in 1935. The poem reflects on the gap between the ideals of American democracy as articulated in the Declaration of Independence and the reality experienced by many people over our history. Yet the poem ends with hope that America can live up to its promises of freedom, equality, and opportunity for all.
The poet affirms that we, the people, can and must redeem the vision of America and make America what it is intended to be. Hughes’ poem is introduced by words from the Declaration of Independence.
• “U.S.,” composed by Michael Bussewitz-Quarm:
“U.S.” is inspired by Richard Haass’ book “The Bill of Obligations,” published in 2023, a bold call for Americans to adopt the habits of good citizenship. This piece begins with an urgent invitation, then presents, and unpacks, each of 10 obligations of good citizens with quotations from a diverse group of Americans, from Founding Fathers to living Americans.
These quotes explain each obligation and, in so doing, demonstrate that each of these obligations has been understood and practiced throughout America’s history. The piece concludes with an inspiring call to citizenship, encouraging all citizens to adopt these obligations as an action plan for renewing American democracy.
About the Downers Grove Choral Society
Founded in 1959, the Downers Grove Choral Society is a community ensemble dedicated to enriching lives through the transformative power of music. With a tradition of innovative programming and artistic excellence, Downers Grove Choral Society brings a wide array of choral music to audiences in the Chicago area and beyond. For more information, visit dgcs.org.
About Sing Democracy 250
Sing Democracy 250 is a project of Players Philanthropy Fund, a Texas nonprofit corporation recognized by the IRS as a tax-exempt public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (Federal Tax ID: 27-6601178, ppf.org/pp).
Contributions to Sing Democracy 250 qualify as tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. For more information about Sing Democracy 250 and the All America Program, visit singdemocracy250.org/all-america-program.
America 250 — Sing Democracy
When: Sunday, April 26, 2025, at 4 p.m. (Pre-concert discussion at 3:15 p.m.)
Where: First United Methodist Church, 1032 Maple Ave. in Downers Grove
Tickets are available online at dgcs.org/events/, Anderson’s Bookshop, 5112 Main St. in Downers Grove, or at the door.