Pianist Lara Downes presents a poignant and probing concert that marks America’s 250th anniversary by celebrating the power of music to express the core essence of our founding promise.

Featuring Theo Bleckmann, 9 Horses, and other to be announced, pianist and cultural visionary Lara Downes presents a poignant and probing concert that marks America’s 250th anniversary by celebrating the power of music to express the core essence of our founding promise.

With this nuanced exploration through the American musical landscape, Downes captures the soundtrack of our history – the music that has brought light in our darkness and comfort in our times of sorrow, our anthems of revolution and resistance, and the songs that bring persistent hope, in every era, for the promise of brighter days to come. From traditional songs that pre-date the nation’s founding to new works that define the sound of the American future, this music traces our roots and our journeys, connects us at our crossroads, and centers us on common ground, offering a clear and open-hearted reminder that we the people are the holders of our truth, the stewards of our past, builders of our present, and designers of our future.

This concert features work generated via Lara Downes’ The Declaration Project, which has been in residence at MASS MoCA as part of a national year-long journey engaging with people of all ages in urban and rural communities to reflect on our collective vision and intention for the American future. Learn more.