The Dubuque Chorale, their chamber choir Cadenza, and both Dubuque Chorale Children’s Choirs present a concert celebrating the ideals of the Olympic Games—international friendship, human excellence, perseverance, and teamwork.

The theme is fitting for 2024, not only due to the recent Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris, but also because this year marks the 100th anniversary of the Winter Olympic Games, which began in the Alpine town of Chamonix, France, in 1924. In the words of Artistic Director Dr. Amanda Huntleigh , “Olympic Dreams is about committing to work toward a goal with hope. It is about dreaming what might be possible, finding inner strength to work toward it, and sticking it out, especially when it is challenging.”

Program

The concert features a diverse collection of musical selections with a variety of connections to the Games themselves and the human spirit they embody. Waltzing Matilda, for example, honors Australia’s role as the host of the Olympics in 1956 and 2000. Compositions like Leo Arnaud’s “Bugler’s Dream,” John Williams’ “Olympic Fanfare and Theme,” and the titular theme from the movie Chariots of Fire directly symbolize the Games. Gloria Estafan’s “Reach” served as the theme song for the 1996 Summer Olympics. Other numbers capture the spirit of the games: “Go the Distance” from Disney’s Hercules, “Heroes,” by David Bowie and Brian Eno, and Libby Larsen’s bustling Look! Be: leap; which expecially portrays the exhilaration of pursuing one’s passions. The finale, sung by the combined choirs, challenges the listener to reach for their own dreams, to “chase the wind and touch the sky.”

Admission is free of charge. Donations are accepted.

Westminster Presbyterian Church

Westminster is located at the corner of Loras Blvd. and University Ave.

Program and lyrics

The concert program is here.

Click here for the concert lyrics.

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