Published on
Distinguished Concerts International New York at Lincoln Center will present Brandon Boyd’s Redeem the Dream at 7 p.m. May 24 in its David Geffen Hall. The concert is the New York Signature Concert of Sing Democracy 250, a nationwide musical initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Redeem the Dream is based on Langston Hughes’ poem “Let America Be America Again”, written in 1935. The poem reflects on the gap between the ideals of American democracy as articulated in the Declaration of Independence and the reality experienced by many people over our history. Yet the poem ends with hope that America can live up to its promises of freedom, equality, and opportunity for all. The poet affirms that we, the people, can and must redeem the vision of America and make America what it is intended to be. Hughes’ poem is introduced by words from the Declaration of Independence.
Dr. Brandon A. Boyd is Associate Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at the University of Missouri, Columbia. In addition to his conducting duties, he teaches a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses in conducting and choral music education. As holder of the Marie M. and Harry L. Smith Endowed Chair, he plans to undertake significant projects that will not only enhance academic discourse but also impact society at large. He appears regularly as a conductor, clinician, composer in residence, collaborative pianist, and lecturer.
Boyd’s piece is also part of the Sing Democracy 250-50 States Program, which is inviting high school, college/university, community, church, and professional choirs nationwide to perform the full Sing Democracy 250 music program in 2026. Its purpose is “to engage singers and citizens with a powerful message of hope for democracy through music that represents American history honestly, reflects America’s diversity, and calls all Americans to fulfill their obligations to America…to build together that more perfect union.”
For more information on participating, visit www.SingDemocracy250.org.
To stay up to date with all Mizzou New Music Initiative announcements, follow them on Instagram and Facebook: @MizzouNewMusic