THOMAS HAMPSON, BARITONE
LARA DOWNES, PIANO

Music, in its many diverse genres and origins, is a universal method of communication and has the ability to transcend boundaries. Spokane’s own Grammy Award-winning baritone, Thomas Hampson, explores poems and songs from over 250 years of US history for an engaging journey through American culture. Through the eyes of poets and the ears of composers, the core American values such as freedom and brotherhood will come to life featuring works by composers such as Ives, Rorem, Higdon, and Bernstein, and poets such as Lincoln, Dickinson, Whitman and Hughes. Joining is pianist Lara Downes, whose 2018 album For Lenny, a tribute to Leonard Bernstein’s legacy, appeared in Billboard’s Top 20.  

This special evening, created by Thomas Hampson, Royce Vavrek (writer), and Francesca Zambello (director) will feature a staged performance accompanied by an ensemble of Spokane Symphony musicians. The performance includes partnerships with area schools to help students learn the importance of Amercian song and music.