As the United States reaches its 250th anniversary, The Newberry Consort performs a program of music that shaped the founding of our nation. Using early American instruments such as the square piano, keyed bugle, fiddle, percussion, as well as an ensemble of vocal specialists, this concert connects America’s musical past and present through early American styles and composers.

The music spans from the signing of the Declaration of Independence through the start of the Civil War, and comes from a wide variety of American cultures and traditions, including choral and sacred harp music, Moravian sacred music, solo salon and cotillion music, military music, spirituals, and abolitionist music.

The culmination of the program features an original composition for American period instruments and voices written by composer and bass-baritone Jonathan Woody. The Newberry Consort is excited and proud to present the world premiere of Woody’s piece in Chicago.

VIRTUAL BROADCAST
Watch our May 8th live concert from the comfort of your own home!
Streaming online June 1-22, 2026.

The concert features familiar fan favorites as well as American music specialists new to the Consort. The former include the ever-versatile tenor/alto singer Matthew Dean, Chicago period trombonist Paul Von Hoff, historical percussionist Brandon Podjasek, period violinists Brandi Berry Benson and Alice Culin-Ellison, and historical flutist Leighann Daihl Ragusa. Among others, they will be joined by square pianist Sylvia Berry (playing an original 18th-century Broadwood piano), Jeffrey Stockham, a virtuoso of keyed bugle and period brass, countertenor Patrick Dailey, and Chicago-based soprano Kimberly Jones.

This program is generously supported by an NEA America250 grant!