For the last 15 years, Choral Artists of Sarasota has honored Independence Day with a concert of rousing songs celebrating the United States. The choral group will continue that tradition this July 4—with a twist. To ensure the safety of its singers and audience, the concert will be virtual. According to Artistic Director Joseph Holt, this year’s concert will feature highlights of previous Independence Day celebrations—and will be streamed over various platforms, including Facebook and YouTube. “Audiences should prepare to tune in and sing along on July 4 at 4 p.m.,” says Holt. “We’ll be safe, and we’ll be celebrating.”

The concert will stream on Choral Artists’ Facebook page (facebook.com/choralartistsofsarasota/) and Youtube (accessed from www.choralartistssarasota.org/watch-listen). The concert will also be available on the Choral Artists’ website after the original broadcast schedule.

Program

Introduction and Welcome by Artistic Director Dr. Joseph Holt

Star-Spangled Banner
Francis Scott Key, arr. René Clausen

Independence
Jerry Bilik
Cedric Hameed, narrator
Sarasota Concert Band

The Mansions of the Lord
Nick Glennie-Smith and Randall Wallace

Gettysburg Address
Mark Hayes

If I Can Help Somebody
Alma Bazel Androzzo

Ride the Chariot
Negro Spiritual, arr. William H. Smith

We Won’t Give Up
Jay Rouse

Battle Hymn of the Republic
Peter J. Wilhousky

America, the Beautiful
Samuel Augustus Ward and Julia Ward Howe, Arr. Carmen Dragon

Anthem from Chess
Tim Rice, Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus

Somewhere from West Side Story
Leonard Bernstein

March of the Women
Ethel Smyth

Armed Forces Salute
arr. Dr. Joseph Holt

God Bless America
Irving Berlin