Come Be a Part of History!
Celebrating America 250
1776 – 2026 Semiquincentennial
The Psalm of Joy is a service of word and music that was created by the Moravians in Salem, NC for July 4, 1783 as part of the first official Independence celebration, giving thanks to God for the end of the Revolutionary War.
Bethlehem Bach Festival
Psalm of Joy
presented by Unitas Chorale
Time and Place TBD
This year we are celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. First performed on July 4, 1783, as part of one of the first official July 4th celebrations, the Psalm of Joy is the perfect Moravian response to this event.
After years of suffering and turmoil, the end of the Revolutionary War found the Moravians citizens of a brand-new nation. Tasked with celebrating the end of the conflict, the Moravians turned (as they always do) to music. Rather than revel in victory; however, it was the
return of peace that spoke to them and inspired the music of this joyful work. Whether it is in regard to the end of armed conflicts or a respite from the chaos of everyday life, this message of peace and joy is something that we could all use.
Psalm of Joy in Raleigh
A Moravian Music Weekend Event
May 16 – 17, 2026
More Information
The Psalm of Joy in Raleigh is a Moravian Music Weekend at Raleigh Moravian Church, 1816 Ridge Rd., May 16-17, 2026
This year we are celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. First performed on July 4, 1783, as part of one of the first official July 4th celebrations, the Psalm of Joy is the perfect Moravian response to this event.
After years of suffering and turmoil, the end of the Revolutionary War found the Moravians citizens of a brand-new nation. Tasked with celebrating the end of the conflict, the Moravians turned (as they always do) to music. Rather than revel in victory; however, it was the
return of peace that spoke to them and inspired the music of this joyful work. Whether it is in regard to the end of armed conflicts or a respite from the chaos of everyday life, this message of peace and joy is something that we could all use.
This weekend event in Raleigh is a unique opportunity to sing the Psalm of Joy as part of the Semiquincentennial celebrations. Over two days, you can join with others in learning and performing this indelible contribution by the Moravians to American history. There are two tracks: one for vocalists and one for band members. The choir will sing the Psalm of Joy and the band will learn and play music from the period. We are inviting everyone to come and be a part of history, whether you are Moravian or not—all are welcome and invited to come and raise your voices and instruments in this weekend celebration of music, peace, joy, and fellowship!
The Talk and Concert are free and open to the public:
Talk: History of the Psalm of Joy, Sunday 1:30 pm
Concert / Service – Sunday 3:00pm
Psalm of Joy
presented by Moramus Chorale
Time and Place TBD
This year we are celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. First performed on July 4, 1783, as part of one of the first official July 4th celebrations, the Psalm of Joy is the perfect Moravian response to this event.
After years of suffering and turmoil, the end of the Revolutionary War found the Moravians citizens of a brand-new nation. Tasked with celebrating the end of the conflict, the Moravians turned (as they always do) to music. Rather than revel in victory; however, it was the
return of peace that spoke to them and inspired the music of this joyful work. Whether it is in regard to the end of armed conflicts or a respite from the chaos of everyday life, this message of peace and joy is something that we could all use.
Psalm of Joy
presented by Unitas Chorale
Time TBD
Downtown Easton, PA
9:00am – 9:00pm
This year we are celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. First performed on July 4, 1783, as part of one of the first official July 4th celebrations, the Psalm of Joy is the perfect Moravian response to this event.
After years of suffering and turmoil, the end of the Revolutionary War found the Moravians citizens of a brand-new nation. Tasked with celebrating the end of the conflict, the Moravians turned (as they always do) to music. Rather than revel in victory; however, it was the
return of peace that spoke to them and inspired the music of this joyful work. Whether it is in regard to the end of armed conflicts or a respite from the chaos of everyday life, this message of peace and joy is something that we could all use.
This year we are celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. First performed on July 4, 1783, as part of one of the first official July 4th celebrations, the Psalm of Joy is the perfect Moravian response to this event. After years of suffering and turmoil, the end of the Revolutionary War found the Moravians citizens of a brand-new nation. Tasked with celebrating the end of the conflict, the Moravians turned (as they always do) to music. Rather than revel in victory; however, it was the return of peace that spoke to them and inspired the music of this joyful work. Whether it is in regard to the end of armed conflicts or a respite from the chaos of everyday life, this message of peace and joy is something that we could all use.
We are inviting everyone to come and hear a part of history, whether you are Moravian or not — all are welcome and invited to come and raise your voices in these celebrations of music, peace, joy, and fellowship!
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