Spring concert to celebrate Appalachian heritage and Barbourville’s 225th anniversary

Maisie Nelson • March 13, 2025

Union Commonwealth University’s Spring Concert, themed "Mountain Harmony," will honor the rich traditions of Appalachia, the mountains, and folk music. This year’s performance holds special significance as it will be presented in celebration of Barbourville’s 225th anniversary.


The concert will feature performances by Union Singers, Union Harmony, and the UCU Regional Chorus, alongside special guest artists Virgil Bowlin and Peerless Mountain. Several musical selections will incorporate traditional Appalachian instruments, including the fiddle, banjo, and acoustic base, further immersing audiences in the region’s cultural heritage.


Adding to the excitement, the concert will showcase a commissioned work by composer Dr. Larry Shackley, who has published extensively with major music houses. Dr. Shackley’s arrangement, created specifically for Union Harmony, will feature an early 18th-century text and an early 19th-century tune — both with strong Kentucky ties. The piece will bear a dedication reading:
"Commissioned by Union Commonwealth University’s Music Program in Honor of the 225th Anniversary of the Founding of Barbourville, Kentucky."


During the concert, Dr. Virginia Gay Gandy, Associate Professor of Music and Director of the Union Choral Program, will be joined on stage by Marcia Dixon, Director of Barbourville Tourism. As part of the celebration, Dr. Gandy will present Dixon with a copy of the commissioned work and a copy of the Spring Concert program, both of which include a dedication to Barbourville’s 225th anniversary.


"This is an incredible opportunity to celebrate our shared heritage while deepening the connection between Union and the community,” said Dr. Gandy. “The choirs are energized, and we anticipate drawing in an even broader audience, engaging both students and the region in a meaningful way."


The Mountain Harmony Spring Concert will take place at Conway Boatman Chapel on Tuesday, April 15 at 8:00 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.

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