“This concert celebrates the grandeur and diversity of America’s choral tradition,” reads a statement from the Pasadena Chorale. That mission will come into focus when the ensemble concludes its 2024–2025 season with Sing America, Part Two: E Pluribus Unum, a free concert on Wednesday, June 11, at 7:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Pasadena.
Part of the Chorale’s Wednesday Series, the performance will explore American musical identity through a curated repertoire that blends foundational and contemporary voices. The program includes Aaron Copland’s In the Beginning and works by Leonard Bernstein and Randall Thompson, as well as selections by modern composers Michal Dawson Connor, Emily Feld, Marques L.A. Garrett and Susan LaBarr.
The concert title borrows from the Latin phrase adopted by the Continental Congress in 1782 for the Great Seal of the United States: “E Pluribus Unum,” meaning “Out of many, one.” This motto echoes the ensemble’s intent to reflect American unity through musical multiplicity. The event is structured to “invite audiences to reflect on the nation’s cultural journey,” according to Pasadena Chorale documentation, through compositions that span generations and perspectives.
The venue itself, First United Methodist Church, is noted for its acoustic and architectural resonance, providing a historically appropriate setting for a program exploring national identity. The event is free to the public as part of the Chorale’s “Listen First, Then Give” model, which encourages voluntary donations and eliminates financial barriers to attendance.
Founded in 2009 by Artistic Director Jeffrey Bernstein, the Pasadena Chorale has presented over 100 performances and collaborated with leading cultural institutions including the Pasadena Playhouse, MUSE/IQUE, the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra. The ensemble earned the American Prize in Choral Performance in 2024.
The Sing America series is a two-part initiative. Part One, titled I, Too, featured music by Florence Price and Margaret Bonds. The June 11 installment broadens the lens to include a wider spectrum of American composers. The Chorale’s mission to provide accessible, high-quality choral music is also evident in its educational programs. “Listening to the Future” pairs high school composers with professional mentors, while “The High Notes” serves middle school students. Both programs are offered at no cost.
By drawing from a diverse range of musical styles and backgrounds, Sing America, Part Two affirms the Chorale’s goal of creating a unifying cultural experience rooted in American choral heritage.
First United Methodist Church, 500 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. (626) 208-0009. www.pasadenachorale.
