Minnesota to host second Signature Concert in nationwide Sing Democracy 250 series

Sing Democracy 250 launched in October 2025 in Philadelphia and unfolds across four key American cities with historic or cultural significance: Philadelphia and Washington, DC for their foundational roles in democratic history; New York City as a modern cultural capital; and Minnesota, widely regarded as one of the leading choral centres of the United States. Each Signature Concert is rooted in local partnerships and community voices, combining newly commissioned music with texts that reflect on the nation’s origins, democratic values and shared civic responsibility. Minnesota’s role in the national series The Minneapolis concert brings together singers from across the state, including the Together In Hope Choir, St. Scholastica Chamber Choir (Duluth), Minnesota State University Moorhead Dragon Choir, Choral Arts Ensemble Singers (Rochester), Honors Choirs of SE Minnesota and the Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra. The Together In Hope Choir serves as the anchor ensemble for all four Signature Concerts nationwide. Performances are conducted by G. Phillip Shoultz, III, Artistic Director of Together In Hope Project and Sing Democracy 250. New commissions at the heart of the project The programme opens with the world premiere of Fanfare: Democracy 250 by Steven Amundson, followed by two newly commissioned choral works: Redeem the Dream by Brandon A. Boyd and US by Michael Bussewitz-Quarm. Together, these works form the core of a national choral programme designed to engage singers and audiences in reflecting honestly on American history while looking ahead to the responsibilities of democratic citizenship. Beyond the four Signature Concerts, the initiative extends through the Sing Democracy 250 – All America Program, with nearly 200 choirs in 37 states set to perform the same programme in their own communities throughout 2026.