Church of God’s 60th Anniversary Concert Earns Widespread Acclaim in the United States

The Messiah Orchestra, fresh off a tour through Peru from late July to mid-August, made its U.S. debut in early September with performances at prestigious venues, including New York’s Lincoln Center, the United Nations Headquarters, and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. The concert series, titled “Mother’s Love: Concert for World Peace,” marked the 60th anniversary of the Church of God’s founding. Drawing a diverse audience of local members, international diplomats, U.S. senators and representatives, as well as leaders in education, arts, and media, the event sought to promote peace and harmony worldwide through the universal language of music.

The Lincoln Center concert on September 8 marked a high point in the Messiah Orchestra’s U.S. tour. As one of America’s foremost arts institutions, Lincoln Center is known for its diverse performances in music, theater, and more. Addressing an audience of nearly 1,000 at Alice Tully Hall, General Pastor Kim Joo-cheol opened the event by emphasizing the role of maternal love in fostering global unity: “In today’s divided world, a mother’s boundless love is the key to peace. Guided by Heavenly Mother’s teachings, the Church of God will continue working to address pressing issues like climate change, crime, and human rights.”

The concert opened with a traditional Korean drum performance and fan dance, setting the stage for a vibrant lineup of orchestra, choral, and ensemble pieces jointly prepared by Church of God members from Korea and the United States. This fusion of Eastern and Western cultural elements underscored the Church’s evolution from its origins in Korea to a global community, embracing diverse cultures through the love and teachings of God Elohim. As the event concluded, audience members lit up the hall with their phone lights, creating a shared, memorable moment that resonated with unity and peace.

Surrounding their Lincoln Center concert, the Messiah Orchestra performed at several prominent locations, beginning with a stop at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., on the 4th. In a rare civilian performance at the Pentagon, the orchestra aimed to provide comfort to military personnel and express gratitude for their dedication to U.S. defense and global peace efforts, as well as their service during the Korean War. Afterward, the orchestra members visited the Pentagon’s Korean War exhibit to honor the soldiers’ sacrifices and advocate for peace. They later delivered a public street performance at the Thomas Jefferson Memorial Plaza, sharing music with local citizens.

The concert on the 5th at the United Nations Headquarters in Manhattan drew approximately 200 attendees, including diplomats and representatives from various NGOs. The performance featured beautiful melodies reflecting a mother’s love, complemented by harmonies from the choir and ensembles, which left a profound impact on the audience. Subsequently, the orchestra performed at the ASEZ environmental seminar at Columbia University’s Alfred Lerner Hall on the 9th. Their tour concluded with a performance at the Church of God’s 60th anniversary celebration at Pocono Dome in Pennsylvania on the 11th. This event, broadcast to the Churches of God across the United States, incorporated a resolution rally for evangelism that aimed to inspire members with pride and zeal for fulfilling the gospel mission.

The Messiah Orchestra garnered widespread acclaim for its mission of spreading love and hope to those weary from life’s challenges. New York State Assemblyman Alex Brook Krasny praised the performance, stating, “I really love classical music, and this was one of the finest performances I have ever heard. Anyone who listens will leave, feeling happy.” Queens District Attorney Malcolm Mortley also reflected on the event, noting, “I felt a strong sense of community and connection throughout.” He emphasized that the message of conveying a mother’s love—always wishing for her children’s happiness—deeply resonated with him. “I believe it’s an important theme for achieving goals and staying on the right path,” he remarked, expressing his alignment with the event’s overarching message.

Conductor Elder Jeong Gi-hoon reflected on the early days of the Messiah Orchestra, noting, “When we first formed an orchestra, most members were beginners. However, through God’s help and individual efforts, our skills have remarkably developed over time. We have successfully collaborated with overseas members in prestigious venues around the world.” He reaffirmed the orchestra’s commitment to spreading messages of peace and hope globally through music infused with a mother’s love.

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