What is the Song of America Tour?
"Song of America" is a national, 11-city concert tour to celebrate creativity in America with internationally acclaimed baritone Thomas Hampson, who will perform selected American songs drawn from the incomparable collections of the Library of Congress. In addition, the tour will also include displays of unique materials from the Library, master classes, teacher institutes, and events for young people to inform them of the depth and variety of American song and story. The "Song of America" tour is the first part of a multidimensional Library of Congress program to celebrate "Creativity Across America."
Read more about the tour
How can I get tickets?
Tickets for the concerts will be available through each of the 11 concert halls.
View a list of cities and venues
View information on other programs related to the tour
What cities are on the tour?
The tour is traveling to Kansas City, Kan.; Fort Worth, Texas; Philadephia; St. Paul, Minn.; New York; Detroit; West Palm Beach, Fla.; Oxford, Miss.; Chicago; Omaha, Neb.; San Jose, Calif.; and Denver.
View a list of cities with concert venues
Will you be adding more sites?
Not at this time, for this particular tour.
How can I perform at one of the concerts?
At selected venues, tour organizers will work with selected community choirs to participate in the concerts or other related activities.
View a list of cities with concert venues
How can I participate in other tour activities?
Everyone will be able to participate in the Library's celebration of "Creativity Across America" in a number of ways, including cultural educational programs, displays of some of the Library's rarely viewed and prized treasures, demonstrations by conservation specialists of simple methods of preserving family photos and documents, and public readings by leading poets, including Poet Laureate Ted Kooser.
More information on these activities
Do you need volunteers?
You may check with the concert hall of the nearest venue to determine if volunteers are needed and how to apply.
View a list of cities with concert venues
Can I make reservations for any of the workshops offered?
Reservation information will be available in the near future. More information on the other programs and workshops
Will I be able to get a recording of any of the concerts?
A compact disc by Mr. Hampson of performances from the "Song of America" tour is planned. Check back for more information.
Can I watch any of the concerts or events online?
There are plans to record excerpts from selected concerts on the tour, then make them available soon afterward on this Web site. Arrangements are now being finalized for individual venues. Check back for more information.
Are pets allowed?
Only service animals are permitted at the "Song of America" concerts and the related programs.
How can I donate to the Library of Congress?
Although an agency of the U.S. government, the Library of Congress also depends upon the historic generosity of individuals, organizations, and corporations to allow us to reach out to the public and build our vast universal collections.
More information on our giving programs
Does the Library of Congress have other resources on historic American songs?
The Library of Congress commemorates the history of the American art song by highlighting the Library's unparalleled collections of holograph manuscripts, first editions of published sheet music, copyright deposits, and recordings through its web site, The Library of Congress Presents: Music, Theater and Dance.