U.S. Army Chorus opens St. John's free First Wednesday concert series, Oct. 3

The U.S. Army Chorus

American spirituals, patriotic favorites, and more are set to be performed by the United States Army Chorus when it opens this year's series of free concerts at St. John's Episcopal Church, Lafayette Square, on October 3. 

The lunchtime concerts are part of the church's First Wednesday performances played monthly at 12:10 p.m. and lasting about 35 minutes.

Formed in 1956 to accompany the U.S. Army Band, the U.S. Army Chorus regularly sings with the National Symphony Orchestra on Memorial Day, Independence Day, at other patriotic events, and for visiting heads of state. It tours the U.S. and performs with local symphonies.

Also called "Pershing's Own," the chorus, whose members speak more than 26 languages and dialects, is one of the few professional male choruses in the U.S.

In the Chorus's repertoire are traditional military music, pop, Broadway, folk, and classical tunes. Major Leonel A. Pena is the director.

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St. John's Episcopal Church, Lafayette Square, Washington, D.C./ Photo by Patricia Leslie

St. John's founded in 1815 is known to many Washington residents as the yellow church at Lafayette Square, and often called the “Church of the Presidents.” Beginning with James Madison who was president from 1809 to 1817, every president has been a member of St. John's or has attended services at the church. A plaque at the rear of St. John's designates the pew where President Abraham Lincoln often sat when he stopped by the church during the Civil War.

For those on lunch break, food trucks are located at Farragut Square, two blocks away.

Who: The U.S. Army Chorus

What: First Wednesday Concerts

When: 12:10 p.m., October 3, 2018

Where: St. John’s, Lafayette Square, 1525 H Street, NW, at the corner of 16th, Washington, D.C. 20005

How much: No charge

Duration: About 35 minutes

Wheelchair accessible

Metro stations: McPherson Square (White House exit), Farragut North, or Farragut West

For more information: Contact Michael Lodico, St. John's director of music ministry, at 202-270-6265.

Future dates and artists of the First Wednesday Concerts are:

November 7: The Ars Nova Brass Quintet with organist Michael Lodico 

December 5: The Episcopal High School Chamber Chorus will sing Music of the Season under the direction of Brent Erstad.

January 9, 2019 (second Wednesday): Concert organist Colin Lynch will play works by French composers.


February 6: Baritone Bob McDonald's sings jazz from Broadway shows.

March 6: No concert due to Ash Wednesday.

April 3: A concert by percussionist Tom Maloy and organist Michael Lodico

May 1: Music by organist Lisa Galoci and trumpeter Chuck Seipp to include the world premiere of Paul Leavitt's Fanfare for Trumpet and Organ

June 5: The U.S. Air Force Strings with pianist Brent Erstad will play Gerald Finzi's Ecologue and Ralph Vaughan Williams' Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis   

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