The Civil War Sesquicentennial Finale Concert
If you haven’t heard by now, Virginia has been participating in the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War (i.e. the Civil War Sesquicentennial). From re-enactments to lectures to the traveling Civil War 150 HistoryMobile, Virginia has been active in exploring life during local, 19th century warfare.
The 150th commemoration will come to a close in 2015, and it’s going out with a musical bang. On Memorial Day, May 25, 2015, the Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission will be presenting a Finale Concert that “that brings together music, songs, images, and narration in a profound exploration of the Civil War and emancipation.”
Did you know that the Civil War “gave rise to more music than any other event in American history”? According to VirginiaCivilWar.org, enthusiastic melodies combined with romantic songs to produce an early motivation for soldiers. However, the fervor of army life quickly melted into loneliness and despair for soldiers, while songs of praise and gospel spirituals brought guarded hope for 3.5 million enslaved people. The war ended, freedom was secured, and the nation became whole, with songs like The Battle Hymn of the Republic forever becoming part of the national heritage that we share.”
Interested in going? Click here to register now for this FREE event. (And if you need lodging, check out our member inns.)