Hilton Head Choral Society honors American spirit with “Celebrate America”

As the nation marks 250 years of American independence, the Hilton Head Choral Society will close its 50th anniversary season with a patriotic Memorial Day weekend tradition that blends both music and reflection. A Lowcountry staple for locals and visitors alike, Celebrate America, will take place Sunday, May 24 at 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church on Hilton Head Island.

This year’s program brings together an impressive lineup of collaborators, including a string quartet and the return of Category V Brass, a Columbia-based quintet known for its energetic and expressive performances. The evening will also feature a keynote address and dramatic readings by members of the Lean Ensemble Theater, adding depth and perspective to a program designed to honor the American spirit.

The concert will open with a Presentation of Colors by the Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue color guard, setting a tone of formality and unity as the community gathers in advance of Memorial Day. Audiences will hear a variety of patriotic works, including The Star-Spangled Banner, Irving Berlin’s God Bless America, and Vera Lynn’s timeless We’ll Meet Again, along with other selections highlighting the themes of resilience and pride that marks our country’s history.

In a particularly moving collaboration, performers from Hilton Head’s Lean Ensemble Theater will read authentic correspondence from American service members. These firsthand accounts will offer an intimate look at the experiences and sacrifices of those who have fought for our freedom. The excerpts include letters from servicemen and women from wars that have spanned the history of America including the Revolutionary War, the Civil War and World War I.

“This is an evening that the members of the Choral Society eagerly anticipate throughout the entire season,” said Dr. Dustin Ousley, Artistic Director of the Hilton Head Choral Society. “It is a profound honor to come together in remembrance and celebration of the men and women who fought for our country with such valor to secure the freedoms we are privileged to enjoy today.”

Another highlight of the evening, Hilton Head resident James (Jim) F. Berl will serve as keynote speaker. A former Judge Advocate General attorney, Berl served in the U.S. Army during the 1980s, including during the U.S.-led invasion of Grenada and a posting in Europe. After completing his military service, he returned to the Lowcountry, where he has practiced law for nearly four decades.

Blending music, storytelling, and community tradition, Celebrate America promises to be a meaningful gathering for concertgoers who are encouraged to wear red, white, and blue as a shared expression of gratitude and remembrance.

It’s a Memorial Day tradition that you don’t want to miss. Tickets are available at www.hiltonheadchoralsociety.org. For more information, call 843-341-3818 or email tickets@hiltonheadchoralsociety.org.