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

Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at 7:30 PM

ACO Event Page

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.