America 250: A Classical Portrait

From May through August, join us as we explore the story of classical music in the United States with America 250: A Classical Portrait. Our celebration is centered around the weekly program on WETA Virtuoso every Wednesday at 2PM. Over the three months, host James Jacobs will be telling a story of classical music unique to the American experience, a journey of imagination, tradition and possibility. 

Just the idea of the New World Pre-Independence provided a source of endless fascination and inspiration even for composers who never actually came here, while it provided an opportunity for a fresh start and perspective for those who did, and as America grew from an idea into a nation its musical conversation with the rest of the world developed in sophistication and complexity through the centuries and continues to this day. 

Each week A Classical Portrait will delve into composers, artists, and institutions that were born of and reflect American ideals, encompassing the complete narrative of American classical music in the last 250 years and beyond. 

We will present a special monthly preview program every first Tuesday of the month at 8PM on WETA Classical, and every Tuesday at noon, we will share a vocal sneak peek from the week's topic on WETA VivaLaVoce. Choral Showcase on WETA Classical will also celebrate America 250 on each week's program May through August.

Please join us as we explore how the discovery, independence, and innovation of America shaped our own dynamic and essential contribution to classical music. 

Coming Up

• May 3 at 9PM on Choral Showcase: Toward a Season of Peace
  • Choral Showcase begins our "America 250" celebration this week with three choral prayers for peace: Richard Danielpour's oratorio, Toward a Season of Peace, along with Samuel Barber's Agnus Dei and Pax Nobiscum by Amy Beach.
• May 5 at 8PM on WETA Classical: This Month on America 250: A Classical Portrait
• May 5 at 12PM on WETA VivaLaVoce: America 250 Vocal Highlight
• May 6 at 2PM on WETA Virtuoso: America 250: A Classical Portrait
  •  From the New World: American Music Before the Revolution