The Indianapolis Symphonic Choir (ISC) is preparing to present its annual Voices of the Spirit concert, connecting historical conflict to modern conversations about unity and national identity.
The 2026 Voices of the Spirit program features music shaped by war and its aftermath — including American composer Jeffrey Van’s “A Procession Winding Around Me,” based on Walt Whitman’s Civil War poetry, and Mozart’s “Requiem.” The program, set for May 17 at Second Presbyterian Church, aims to explore conflict, loss and “the possibility of reconciliation,” according to a press release.
“Whitman witnessed what happens when a country turns against itself,” Eric Stark, artistic director of the ISC, said in a statement. “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.”
After spending time with wounded soldiers during the Civil War, including his own brother, Whitman wrote a series of poems that inspired Van’s composition. Whitman’s writing “captures the emotional toll of a nation divided and the complicated path toward healing,” according to a press release.
During Voices of the Spirit, 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.
The ISC will perform Mozart’s “Requiem” in the second half of the program, using the widely respected compilation by Harvard scholar Robert Levin. This work, which was unfinished at the time of Mozart’s death in 1791, became one of the “most endearing and emotionally powerful compositions in the choral repertoire,” according to a press release.
Voices of the Spirit will also feature a variety of soloists, such as soprano Gabriela Martinez, mezzo-soprano Mitzi Westra, tenor Thomas Cooley and bass Ron Dukes.
“Both of these works confront the reality of conflict and loss, but they also offer something more,” Jennifer Cooper, executive director of the ISC, said in a statement. “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.”
Ahead of the concert, the ISC will host a public event as part of its In-Choir-ing Minds education series. The event will feature guest presenter Audrey Johnson for an interactive program exploring Civil War-era music and its role in shaping American identity, according to a press release. In-Choiring Minds is free to attend and begins at 7 p.m. on May 12 in Room 112 of Lilly Hall at Butler University.
Voices of the Spirit takes place at 3 p.m. on May 17 at Second Presbyterian Church, 700 N. Meridian St. Guests are encouraged to arrive early for a Words on Music with Stark and Duarte. A dessert reception will immediately follow the concert. Tickets are $46.
For more information, visit indychoir.org.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe has a bachelor's in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and has previously worked for Indy Maven, The Lantern, and CityScene Media Group. In her free time, Chloe enjoys live theatre, reading, baking and keeping her plants alive.
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