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.
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.
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
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)
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
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
What is the registration cost?
Hi, yes, it is $32 for the first person and $21 for the second. Kids are free. Use “psalm” as the coupon code for 10% discount.
What is the registration deadline to join choir or band?
It will help our Sunday meal and instrumentation/music distribution planning to know by Friday May 8 or Monday May 11. Please contact christopher@moravianmusic.org if you are considering but need more time. TY