American 250PA Choral Series featuring Sing Democracy 250-All American Program. In a call for civic engagement through song, The Bach Choir of Pittsburgh, in collaboration with singers from choirs throughout the Pittsburgh region, will perform two newly commissioned works, “Redeem the Dream” and “US,” to mark America’s 250th anniversary. “Redeem the Dream”, composed by Dr. Brandon A. Boyd, is based on Langston Hughes’ poem Let America Be America Again. 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 ends with hope that America can live up to its promises of freedom, equality, and opportunity for all.

“US”, composed by Michael Bussewitz-Quarm, was inspired by Richard Haass’ book The Bill of Obligations, a bold call for Americans to adopt the habits of good citizenship. This piece presents each of 10 obligations of good citizens, and concludes with an inspiring call to citizenship, encouraging all citizens to adopt these obligations as an action plan for renewing American democracy.