SAM 250 Projects

Founded by Thomas Jefferson, UVA holds a special place in connection to the founding of the United States and our 250th celebrations. Likewise, composer Randall Thompson (who served on UVA faculty for 5 years in the 1940s) wrote several pieces, including the Testament of Freedom inscribing this connection – a connection which has continued with contemporary settings of “We Hold These Truths” by Judith Shatin and J. Todd Frazier. This concert – conceived as an America250 celebration with unique Virginia ties – will feature these two settings (with UVA professor emeritus Judith Shatin in the audience), as well as excerpts from Thompson’s A Concord Cantata (depicting the earliest battle of the Revolutionary War), and Testament – which sets the words of Jefferson, and was premiered on the Old Cabell Hall stage. In addition, selections will include a window to 19th century challenges – with music including H.T. Burleigh’s arrangement of “My Lord, What a Morning”, “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”, and music of George Bristow – along with an excerpt from filmmaker Eduardo Montes–Bradley’s documentary on Bristow. (Montes–Bradley will likewise be in the audience.)

The University Singers is the University of Virginia’s flagship choral ensemble, heard by thousands each season in performances of a cappella and accompanied choral repertoire, including major works with orchestra.

In partnership with

• University of Virginia Department of Music
• Joseph and Robert Cornell Memorial Foundation
• Alumni and friends, donors, and supporters