America, Know Thyself is a musical-historical drama that incorporates passages from the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and other foundational documents alongside American revolutionary songs, folk songs and negro spirituals. It will be followed by Dvořák’s My Country, ’Tis of Thee, a new national anthem based on a melody he wrote in 1893.

The concert will conclude with Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9, “From the New World”, which Dvorak composed in America and given its world premiere at Carnegie Hall’s Stern Auditorium on December 16, 1893—Beethoven’s birthday. You will hear it performed in that very same hall, on the very same date as its world premiere.

The Bel Canto Youth Chorus of NYC, conducted by choral director Frank Mathis, will sing six pieces woven throughout the drama alongside an exceptional group of professional singers and actors.

Featured Artists:

Indira Mahajan, soprano

Everett Suttle, tenor

Kevin Thompson, bass

Elvira Green, narrator

George Shirley, narrator

Bel Canto Youth Choruses of NYC

America 250th Chorus

America 250th Orchestra

New Manhattan Sinfonietta

Gürer Aykal, Conductor