Internationally-renowned baritone Thomas Hampson presented a special program commemorating the 200th anniversary of our national anthem. The program included American music from colonial days to the present, rare historical documents from the Library's extensive collections. Hampson was joined by the University of Michigan Alumni Chorus, Mark Clague (University of Michigan) and pianist Matthew Thompson. Speaker Biography: Praised by The New York Times for his "ceaseless curiosity," Thomas Hampson enjoys a singular international career as an opera singer, recording artist and ambassador of song, maintaining an active interest in research, education, musical outreach and technology. The American baritone has performed in the world's most important concert halls and opera houses with many renowned singers, pianists, conductors and orchestras. One of the most respected, innovative and sought-after soloists performing today, he was recently inducted into Gramophone's 2013 Hall of Fame; honored as a Metropolitan Opera Guild Met Mastersinger; and presented with the first Venetian Heritage Award (2013) and the Concertgebouw Prize (2011). Speaker Biography: Mark Clague is associate professor of music, American culture, and African American studies at the University of Michigan. He researches all forms of music-making in the U.S., focusing on the functional aesthetic of music, critical geography and the interrelationship of music and society. Before joining the Michigan faculty, he was bassoonist with the Chicago Civic and Rockford Symphonies and played periodically with the Grant Park and Chicago Symphony Orchestras. He served for six years as executive editor for "Music of the United States of America." He is currently working on a book about "The Star-Spangled Banner" and serves as associate director of the School of Music, Theatre & Dance's American Music Institute. For transcript, captions, and more information, visit http://www.loc.gov/today/cyberlc/feature_wdesc.php?rec=6347

• published: 10 Sep 2014
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