Celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States’ Declaration of Independence signing, composer-pianist Kevin Day brought three Boston College music groups together for “A New American Day” on Feb. 7, illustrating the impressive talent of BC’s music and arts scene. 

After opening remarks by BC’s Provost and Dean of Faculties, David Quigley, The University Chorale of Boston College, conducted by Riikka Pietiläinen Caffrey, opened the concert at New England Conservatory’s Jordan Hall.

The first piece, “Earth Song,” was performed by a portion of The University Chorale accompanied by the Boston College Ballet Club. Even though the whole chorale wasn’t performing for this particular song, they still filled the entire hall with a tranquil melody.

After “Earth Song,” the ballet dancers were replaced by the rest of the Chorale. The full musical power of the group was on display as they performed “The Word was God,” “We Shall Walk Through the Valley in Peace,” and “Nearer, My God, to Thee.” Each of the songs oscillated between relaxed and grand moments, and the layered verses added further instrumental complexity. 

After a quick interlude, Sebastian Bonaiuto and The University Wind Ensemble took the stage. They began performing “Moth,” which started with a quaint, charming musicality but ended with a rip-roaring finale. Next was “Requiem for the Unarmed,” which combined entrancing and militaristic instrumentalism—slowly shifting from the former to the latter.

After an intermission, the Boston College Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Anna Wittstruck, entered. The group premiered a performance of “Fires Unquiet Within,” which consisted of three parts: “Unraveling in Mayhem,” “Hope of Embers,” and “Burning Brighters.” It transitioned from a purposefully chaotic mood to a more relaxed tone, and finally to a satisfying harmony. 

“Appalachian Spring Suite for Full Orchestra” was performed next, with the group using intricate storytelling to tell the history of American sound. Originally written by Aaron Copland, the piece was meant to embody the 16th-century commoner’s lifestyle.

The grand finale combined all three of BC’s prestigious music groups. This performance was conducted by ensemble director Sebastian Bonaiuto, who has been at BC for 36 years and is in his last year at the University before retirement. 

Throughout his time at BC, Bonaiuto developed the undergraduate music program significantly, working as the BC Bands leader, the conductor of The University Wind Ensemble and BC bOp!, and more.

Together, Bonaiuto led the three groups through a performance of “Grand Canyon Railway” from American Pastorale, written by Day. Despite being one of the shortest pieces, the incorporation of each group was executed masterfully and created a perfect ending to the evening.

It has been 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and the performance contained approximately 250 BC students displaying a range of musical ability and instrumental excellence. 

While the concert celebrated America and its history, Day ended the performance with a call for reflection on recent events and the country’s cultural future.