More than 140 local and international singers from diverse races, faiths, and backgrounds come together to perform in the festival under the direction of Van Gilmer, an internationally known performer and composer. Gilmer is also a recognized local leader in racial justice work, and sees this event as a continuation of our unifying efforts to build one human family. Gilmer, a long-time resident of Wilmette, is inspired by the teachings of the Baha’i Faith, which are centered on the oneness of humanity. This festival, inaugurated by Gilmer in 2007, is an example of that unity in action.
Rehearsals are held over three days at a nearby hotel, culminating in two, back-to-back festival concerts. Participants enjoy the excitement and unifying feeling of singing by heart selections that range from Classical to Gospel music in four or more parts with no accompanying instruments. As Gilmer says, “They experience the Baha’i Scripture that ‘Music is a ladder by which souls ascend to the realm on high.’”
The Baha'i House of Worship is a unique spiritual institution on Chicago’s north shore. The building is open to all for prayer and worship, with the goal of providing a place for anyone to find the inspiration for their service to humanity. Baha’is believe that the betterment of the world begins with worship. The quiet serenity of the Baha'i House of Worship reflects the spiritual truths of the Baha'i Faith: the oneness of God, the oneness of humanity and the oneness of religion.
The Baha'i Faith is the youngest of the world's independent religions. Its founder, Bahá'u'lláh (1817-1892), is regarded by Baha'is as the most recent in the line of Messengers of God that stretches back beyond recorded time and that includes Abraham, Moses, Buddha, Krishna, Zoroaster, Jesus and Muhammad.
The central theme of Bahá'u'lláh's hope-filled message is that humanity is one and that the day has come for the world to be united. God, Bahá'u'lláh said, has set in motion historical forces that are breaking down traditional barriers of race, class, creed, and nation and that will, in time, give birth to a universal civilization.
Learn more at www.bahai.us.