What creates identity? What inspires belonging? In this program, The Thirteen explores themes of identity and kinship through compositions by American composers from the end of the second World War through today. In so doing, we hope to suggest the beginnings of an inclusive, diverse, and ever-expanding New American Songbook.

 We begin with Aaron Copland’s In the Beginning, a seminal work by the composer most commonly credited with establishing an ‘American’ sound. But in this towering and difficult-to-classify work, Copland turns to origins and beginnings. Next we perform Ted Hearne’s Privilege (2009), a collection of five short pieces that address socio-economic inequality and conclude with a tribute to the power of music to fight oppression. The program culminates in the premiere of a new work by Indian American composer Juhi Bansal. Hailed as a “composer to watch” by The Washington Post and “radiant and transcendent” by New Classic LA, Bansal explores the themes of cultural and musical diversity and the environment in her works.

This program is made possible by generous gifts from Anonymous. The commissioning of the World Premiere by Judi Bansal is made possible by a gift to The Thirteen’s Building for Tomorrow fund by J. Penny Clark.

INDIVIDUAL TICKETS
(on sale 09/01/2024)

Preferred Seating: $65 ($10 more if purchased at the door)
General Admission: $45 ($10 more if purchased at the door)
Student Tickets with Current Student ID: $15 ($10 more if purchased at the door)
Non-resident virtual-only ticket: $40

All in-person tickets include access to the virtual performance On Demand.