Indianapolis Symphonic Choir Tackles Division, War, and Reconciliation Through Civil War Poetry and Mozart Masterwork

The Indianapolis Symphonic Choir will present its 2026 Voices of the Spirit concert on May 17, featuring two major works that explore conflict, loss, and the possibility of reconciliation through music shaped by war and its aftermath.

The program features A Procession Winding Around Me, a contemporary choral work by American composer Jeffrey Van based on Civil War poetry by Walt Whitman, alongside Mozart’s Requiem, one of the most recognized works ever written for chorus and orchestra.

Whitman wrote the poems that inspired Van’s composition after spending time with wounded soldiers during the Civil War, including his own brother. His writing captures the emotional toll of a nation divided and the complicated path toward healing. Van’s setting of these texts will be performed by mixed chorus and classical guitar, featuring Daniel Duarte, Professor of Music at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University.

“Whitman witnessed what happens when a country turns against itself,” said Dr. Eric Stark, Artistic Director of the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir. “His words don’t just describe war—they reflect on empathy, loss, and reconciliation. This piece asks us to consider those same questions today and what it means to recognize our shared humanity, even in times of division.”

The second half of the program features Mozart’s Requiem, performed using the widely respected completion by Harvard scholar Robert Levin. Left unfinished at the time of Mozart’s death in 1791, the work has become one of the most enduring and emotionally powerful compositions in the choral repertoire. ISC’s performance will feature soloists Gabriela Martinez, soprano; Mitzi Westra, mezzo-soprano; Thomas Cooley, tenor; and Ron Dukes, bass.

“Both of these works confront the reality of conflict and loss, but they also offer something more,” said Dr. Jennifer Cooper, Executive Director of the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir. “They remind us that music can help people reflect, connect, and find meaning, even in difficult moments. That’s central to our mission. Performing exceptional music and creating space for understanding and community.”

Guests attending Voices of the Spirit are encouraged to arrive early for a Words on Music with Dr. Stark and guitarist Daniel Duarte. A dessert reception will immediately follow the performance. 

During performance week, ISC will also host a free public event as part of its In-Choir-ing Minds education series. Guest presenter Audrey Johnson will lead an interactive program on May 12 at Butler University exploring Civil War–era music and its role in shaping American identity. The event is free and open to the public.

Voices of the Spirit is one of ISC’s signature annual performances and regularly draws audiences from across Central Indiana. 

EVENT DETAILS

Voices of the Spirit

Sunday, May 17, at 3 p.m.

Second Presbyterian Church, 700 N. Meridian Street.

Free Public Event: In-Choir-ing Minds, featuring Audrey Johnson

Mine Eyes Have Seen The Glory: Songs & Stories of the American Civil War

Tuesday, May 12, at 7 p.m.

Butler University, Lilly Hall, Room 112

Tickets and information: www.indychoir.org