Top Home | Moravian Music Foundation https://moravianmusic.org Preserving, Sharing, and Celebrating Moravian Musical Culture Tue, 31 Mar 2026 17:57:14 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://moravianmusic.org/wp-content/uploads/cropped-MMF-Horn-small-online-icon-1-32x32.png Top Home | Moravian Music Foundation https://moravianmusic.org 32 32 Psalm of Joy – Raleigh https://moravianmusic.org/psalm-of-joy-raleigh/ https://moravianmusic.org/psalm-of-joy-raleigh/#comments Tue, 10 Mar 2026 15:20:55 +0000 https://moravianmusic.org/?p=23375 A Moravian Music Weekend EventMay 16 – 17, 2026 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 […]

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A Moravian Music Weekend Event
May 16 – 17, 2026

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.

To Attend is Free and All Are Welcome!
Talk: History of the Psalm of Joy, Sunday 1:30 pm
Psalm of Joy Concert / Service – Sunday 3:00pm (1 hour)
Raleigh Moravian Church

Please register to Participate in the Choir or Band:
Rehearsals on Saturday
Sunday service, lunch, Talk
Concert / Service – Sunday
Raleigh Moravian Church

Participate in the Choir or Band program.
Child care provided during rehearsals and concert.
Registration includes lunch on Sunday.

Register Now !

Use coupon code psalm for 10% off the registration fee for a limited time. Call for student discount code or Raleigh Moravian members discount code.

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!

Choir Director – Jayson Snipes, former Director of the Moramus Chorale and former Director of the Piedmont Chamber Singers.

Band Director – Danny Green
Conductor of the Salem Community Orchestra and Wachovia Winds Youth Wind Ensemble.

Weekend Schedule

Saturday, May 16
 
9:00 am–9:30 am         Registration  
9:30 am–10:00 am       A Brief History of the Psalm of Joy
10:15 am–12:15 pm       Rehearsals
12:15 pm–1:15 pm          Lunch  
1:30 pm–3:30 pm          Rehearsals
3:30 pm–4:00 pm         Afternoon Coffee Break  
4:15 pm–6:15 pm           Rehearsals  
 
Sunday, May 17
 
9:00 am–10:15 am         Rehearsals  
11:00 am–12:00 pm       Worship Service with Raleigh Moravian congregation
After Service                   Potluck Lunch (sponsored by Raleigh Moravian)
1:30 pm–2:30 pm           Talk: History of the Psalm of Joy, Christopher Ogburn, Ph.D. (public)
1:30 pm–2:30 pm           Choir Warm-up
2:30 pm                           Band prelude
3:00 pm                           Performance of Psalm of Joy

Psalm of Joy – Freudenpsalm >> music & hymns >>

Peace is with us! (Service 56A)
This is a Day Which the Lord Our God Made (C. Gregor, 1723-1801)
Make a Joyful Noise Unto the Lord (Karl H. Graun, 1704-1759)
Full of joy our hearts are singing (Sleepers Wake 230A)
The Lord is a Mighty Warrior
You Are God (Holy Lord 119A)
The Land Is Calm (J. F. Peter, 1746-1813)
I will raise my voice in singing (Thanksgiving 214A)
He Closes in All Places the Gates of Suffering
O Rest So Softly Coming (J. P. Kellner, )
Glory Be to God (Sleepers Wake 230A)
Lord, Grant the Unity Your Benediction (37A)
Pour Out Your Richest Blessings Now (169)
God gives peace in this our Nation (23)
That In This Our Land There May Dwell Glory (C. Gregor)
Amen (Neander 4A)
Praise, O Jerusalem, the Lord (C. L. Brau or Joh. C. Geisler)
Hallelujah Without Ceasing (Sleepers Wake 230A)

Area Hotels & Room Block

Raleigh Hotel Options
All within a few miles of Raleigh Moravian Church
These are direct website reservation links, but it is advisable to seek better rates via travel planners like Expedia, Booking.com, Priceline, Hotels.com, etc. and to join points rewards programs.
 
ROOM BLOCK at
Hampton Inn & Suites Raleigh/Crabtree Valley
3920 Arrow Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina    919-881-7080
We have a room block reserved at Hampton Inn & Suites Raleigh/Crabtree Valley for May 15, 2026 through May 17, 2026. Booking your room is simple. Just follow the link below.
We’re looking forward to seeing you in May!
https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/moravianmusicroomblock/
[ Email  RDUAW_hampton_suites@hilton.com ]

Hilton Garden Inn Raleigh /Crabtree Valley
3912 Arrow Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina      919-703-2525
Email RDUCV_GM@hilton.com
LINK
 
Comfort Inn Raleigh Midtown
1001 Wake Towne Dr, Raleigh, NC
https://www.choicehotels.com/north-carolina/raleigh/comfort-inn-hotels/nc878?mc=llgoxxpx
$155 – $159 if you join Choice Privileges – $186-196 without joining
 
Candlewood Suites by Hilton (efficiency)
Reservations: 1 877 CANDLEWOOD   direct 877 226 3539 Email: darren.sheehan@aimbridge.com
https://www.ihg.com/candlewood/hotels/us/en/raleigh/rduct/hoteldetail

Aloft Raleigh
2100 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC                919-828-9900
Website
Reserve via Booking.com
$269-$299 +$10 breakfast

Area Restaurants

Restaurants
 
J. Alexanders – Serving wood-fired American fare in a contemporary space with a bar.
Seasons 52 – Fresh ingredients, seasonal menus, hip restaurant and wine bar in Crabtree Valley Mall.
The Local – Traditional American eats, local beers & spirits in a sports-themed setting with multiple TVs
The Mill Raleigh – Nachos, salmon, and steak frites with a bar, patio, and fireplace
The Oak Raleigh – New American plates, bourbon & cocktails served in airy, industrial-chic digs with outdoor seating.
Glenwood Grill – Veteran destination for Southern coastal cooking / sleek backdrop.
First Watch (Café chain – healthy and vegetarian options)
Village Deli and Grill – Lake Boone Trail
Guasaca South American Grill – Lake Boone
Taco Bomba
Whole Foods Market
Neomonde Mediterranean – Lebanese

With Gratitude:
Hospitality, Parking, Facilities, and Sunday Lunch
are provided by the Raleigh Moravian Congregation.

Raleigh Moravian Church

1816 Ridge Rd., Raleigh, NC
www.raleighmoravian.org

Directions
The post Psalm of Joy – Raleigh first appeared on Moravian Music Foundation.]]> https://moravianmusic.org/psalm-of-joy-raleigh/feed/ 4 Moravian Music Sunday 2026 https://moravianmusic.org/moravian-music-sunday-2026/ https://moravianmusic.org/moravian-music-sunday-2026/#respond Thu, 05 Mar 2026 21:29:53 +0000 https://moravianmusic.org/?p=23340 May 3, 2026 Resources and Materials for Worship Leaders. The Psalm of Joy and the Celebration of Peace Recognizing that music is a means of proclaiming the Gospel, we celebrate Moravian music on the fifth Sunday of Easter. At a time when our own world seems to be rapidly changing, we can find some comfort […]

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May 3, 2026

Resources and Materials for Worship Leaders.

The Psalm of Joy and the Celebration of Peace

Recognizing that music is a means of proclaiming the Gospel, we celebrate Moravian music on the fifth Sunday of Easter. At a time when our own world seems to be rapidly changing, we can find some comfort in listening to the sounds of earlier Moravians who also recognized that through it all, God’s love remains eternal.

Peace

The theme for Moravian Music Sunday 2026

Whether it is on an international, national, local, or even personal level, we are all searching for and praying to find the peace that comes from God’s love and presence.

Moravian Music Sunday 2026

Theme: Peace

This year in the United States we are marking the Semiquincentennial—the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Through all the ups and downs that this country has faced, the Moravians have been there. Back in 1783, with the Revolutionary War finally coming to an end, the Moravians in North Carolina received a letter from Governor Alexander Martin (ca. 1739–1807) proclaiming July 4th a day of celebration and thanksgiving. Unsurprisingly, the response by the Moravians was to turn to music. Out of this came a remarkable Lovefeast Ode by Johann Friedrich Peter (1746–1813) named the Psalm of Joy. Written to celebrate the end of the conflict, the Moravians, notably, did not revel in victory, but rather sought unity in the promise of peace. In this year of celebration, turmoil, joy, and anxiety, we choose to honor that legacy by searching for peace in whatever form it can be found. As Moravians have done for centuries, we choose to turn to God and our music. As we celebrate this music, let us remember that the sounds that fill our churches today are a reminder of those that have come before us, but also a reflection of who we are today.

About the Psalm of Joy

The Psalm of Joy is a historic musical ode composed by Johann Friedrich Peter in 1783 for the Moravian community in Salem, NC, celebrating the end of the Revolutionary War. It is recognized as the earliest known organized Independence Day celebration in the United States. The work, often performed by the Moramus Chorale in Old Salem, features heartfelt songs of thanks, hymns, and, historically, the Tannenberg organ.

The resources, below, from MMF, provide most of what you need for your service, Singstunde, or other celebration. All are optional and may be revised for your needs.

An argument has been made that perhaps every Sunday is Moravian Music Sunday and, on a certain level, that is true. Imagine a service without a liturgy, without hymns, anthems, or a benediction. The message of the service might remain, but all the color would be gone. All of the qualities that make us who we are would disappear. From the earliest years of the church, music has been used by the Moravians to spread God’s message, to build community, and to praise the beauty and glory of God.

It is perfectly acceptable to select an alternate Sunday to celebrate Moravian music.
Please share your plans with us, either before or after!

Resources & Materials Available:

Liturgy, Order of Service, Bulletin Insert/Flyer, Statement to Read, Music Suggestions, and Letter to Pastors and Worship Leaders

For WORD documents, please email us at erik@moravianmusic.org

(click on the item, then click the download icon in the toolbar)

Music Suggestions

A few ideas.

Order of Worship

Adapt as needed.

Liturgy

Print-ready

Statement to be read

Have someone from the choir or worship team introduce the theme to your congregation.

Bulletin Insert

Optional way of sharing information with the congregation. Use one side or both.

Letter

An explanation of Moravian Music Sunday and the theme for this year.

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