What does it mean to be an American today? That is the question posed by the curator, pianist and producer Lara Downes in Declaration: Songs of Democracy, Voices of Hope, featuring world premieres by three major composers. Valerie Coleman presents Life, a work for solo piano; Arturo O'Farrill offers the Liberty; and Christopher Tin closes with The Pursuit of Happiness. These latter two compositions are performed by the American Composers Orchestra, under the baton of Eric Jacobsen, with the aid of a select collective of artists and bands who represent a wide range of the American experience. Guests will include jazz bassist Christian McBride, vocalists Kurt Elling and Aoife O’Donovan, and more to be announced.

EPSG:4326

Declaration: Songs of Democracy, Voices of Hope

Lincoln Center

Billy Strayhorn’s A Lovesome Thing opens the evening with a lyrical melody drawn from the world of jazz. Pianist Lara Downes joins the orchestra for selections from “The Declaration Project,” with composers Valerie Coleman, Arturo O’Farrill, and Christopher Tin reflecting on the founding ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The program closes with Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess: A Symphonic Picture, where melodies shaped by blues and spiritual traditions flow through a rich orchestral setting.

Christoper Tin

Events

Upcoming events

Feb 27, 2027

Gershwin's Porgy & Bess · Toledo Symphony Orchestra

Past events

Jul 1, 2026

Declaration: Songs of Democracy, Voices of Hope · American Composers Orchestra

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