Sounds of US
Sounds of US celebrates the diverse soundscape of America, from its rich musical heritage to the contemporary voices that continue to shape its auditory identity. With a call to engage and evolve, the programs will embody a variety of musical expressions and artists that reflect the nation’s complex identity and speak to its promise. The National Symphony Orchestra will commission works from artists across the country, and performances will include new works, premieres, and celebratory concerts across Jazz, Hip Hop, Chamber, Pop, Rock, Country, and more.
Additional programs will include
A Song for US
A brand new choral piece, A Song for US, will be commissioned by the Kennedy Center to capture the spirit of the promise. By fostering a sense of unity and community through music, promoting cultural understanding, and encouraging the celebration of America’s collective journey and future promise, the piece will underscore the proven benefits of group singing in enhancing emotional well-being and social connectivity. Accessible for free, the project will encourage widespread participation and culminate in a grand community sing at the Kennedy Center.
A Song for US
A brand new choral piece, A Song for US, will be commissioned by the Kennedy Center to capture the spirit of the promise. By fostering a sense of unity and community through music, promoting cultural understanding, and encouraging the celebration of America’s collective journey and future promise, the piece will underscore the proven benefits of group singing in enhancing emotional well-being and social connectivity. Accessible for free, the project will encourage widespread participation and culminate in a grand community sing at the Kennedy Center.
Sounds of US Series at the REACH
In a vibrant exploration of music, identity, and community through the lens of the artist, 10 artists will be invited throughout 2026 to curate a day of free events and activations in response to the question “what does America sound like?” Inspired by Jennifer Koh’s 2024 immersive new music festival Sounds of US, this series will expand across artistic genres, with each artist curating a day of free activities tied to a specific genre or tradition of American sound, educating and inspiring audiences about their cultural significance through the universal language of music and sound. Programming will include interactive workshops, live performances, and exhibits in collaboration with the Library of Congress, all designed to celebrate cultural expression and foster community empowerment and joy.
Join us on Saturday, November 6, 2024 to launch the Sounds of US series with an immersive new music festival created and curated by Jennifer Koh, violinist and Artistic Director of Fortas Chamber Music Concerts. Filled with nonstop music and visual art, the festival features over 40 world premiere commissions by ARCO Collaborative, in both paid concerts and free performances.
Songs for Tomorrow
Set to launch online in 2025, Songs for Tomorrow is a dynamic song-writing competition aimed at emerging composers and songwriters. The contest encourages participants to invite the public into their songwriting process to create original songs that reflect on their connection to fearlessness—a theme intended to explore the ideals, challenges, and aspirations of the American spirit. The winner will have their song recorded and released by the Kennedy Center and three finalists will be invited to perform live at the America the Fearless festival.
Songs for Tomorrow
Set to launch online in 2025, Songs for Tomorrow is a dynamic song-writing competition aimed at emerging composers and songwriters. The contest encourages participants to invite the public into their songwriting process to create original songs that reflect on their connection to fearlessness—a theme intended to explore the ideals, challenges, and aspirations of the American spirit. The winner will have their song recorded and released by the Kennedy Center and three finalists will be invited to perform live at the America the Fearless festival.
More programs to be announced in 2025.
