Hello, America: Letters to Us, from Us

3.11.2026 7:30 PM

American Composers Orchestra

Zankel Hall, Carnegie Hall | New York City, NY

To commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence as part of Carnegie Hall's United in Sound festival, we invite written and musical open letters to America, which reflect narratives around the summer homes of turn-of-the-century Black folk, Lakota Dream Kit symbology, unspoken emotions, rituals of celebration, and the writings of historic and current Black American women.


Karen Slack, soprano

Amanda Gookin, cello

Cynthia Yeh, percussion

Carolyn Kuan, conductor


Hello, America: Letters to Us, from Us

JOSEPH C. PHILLIPS JR., We Hold These Truths to Be Self-Evident (World Premiere, ACO Commission, developed via EarShot CoLABoratory)

BRITTANY J. GREEN, Letters to America (World Premiere, ACO Co-commission, developed via EarShot CoLABoratory)

KITE, Cosmologyscape: Carnegie Hall (World Premiere, ACO Commission, developed via EarShot CoLABoratory)

SHELLEY WASHINGTON, Haymaker (World Premiere, ACO Commission, developed via EarShot CoLABoratory)

JESSIE MONTGOMERY, Procession for solo percussionist and orchestra (NY Premiere)