Pilgrim Congregational Church is pleased to offer a free concert for the Oak Park and Greater Chicago area! Dr. Wilbert O. Watkins will conduct the Pilgrim Chancel Choir and Friends in the SONGS OF LAMENT AND PRAISE, accompanied by a chamber orchestra. No tickets or reservations are needed for the 4:00pm SUNDAY APRIL 26th concert, to be held at Pilgrim Church at 460 Lake Street, Oak Park, Illinois. The performance is approximately an hour long, and a reception will follow.

Songs of Lament and Praise include two sacred classical works not intended for worship, but nonetheless represent ancient and honest ways humans have spoken to God: raw, unfiltered, neither tidy nor polite. Stravinsky's "Symphony of Psalms" uses Latin text and his unique early 20th Century style to focus on a journey from pleading to praise. Rosephanye Powell's "Cry of Jeremiah" is modern work that incorporates Black church musical traditions with Jeremiah's anguished struggles and oppression. Both works lead us through anger and tears, then to deliverance and joy.

All are welcome and encouraged to experience this musical journey with us.

Note: On-site parking is free and there is convenient public transportation via the Green Line "Ridgeland" stop. Our building is fully accessible.