Composer Laura Kaminsky curates and hosts a salon of contemporary songs by LGBT identified composers and librettists. Featuring the world premiere of a collaboratively created song cycle by Kaminsky, Jennifer Higdon, Laura Karpman, Paula Kimper, Nora Kroll Rosenbaum, and new face on the scene, Kayla Cashetta, who will all set new poems by Elaine Sexton. The evening will also include a performance of Fierce Grace: Jeannette Rankin by mezzo-soprano Heather Johnson and pianist Mila Henry, with libretto by Kimberly Reed and contributions from Kaminsky, Karpman, Kitty Brazelton, and Ellen Reid. (Opera America commission; 2017 world premiere was at Library of Congress). A co-presentation with Five Boroughs Music Festival and the LGBT Center, in honor of Pride Month and the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall riots.

Beloved American baritone Thomas Hampson opens the American Songbook to explore the influential people and monumental events that helped create and define “the land of the free.” Guiding the audience through centuries of stories, Mr. Hampson will share personal anecdotes and readings, offering a rich context within which to celebrate America’s history of song. Pianist Lara Downes and The Beyond Liberty Players join him.