World Premiere: “Here We Stand” by Gilad Cohen and Ronvé O’Daniel

Gilad Cohen is an active composer, performer, and theorist in genres including concert music, rock, and music for theater. Ronvé O’Daniel is an award-winning songwriter, playwright, actor, director, and hip-hop recording artist.

Their Recomposing America collaboration, titled Here We Stand, is inspired by the life of 20th-century bass-baritone, actor, professional football player, and activist Paul Robeson. Honoring the 50th anniversary of Robeson’s death, the work for two rapper/singers, choir, and orchestra blends artistic and cultural influences, reflecting Robeson’s belief in a shared human experience as he fought for the liberation of African Americans and all of humanity. The world premiere is presented in partnership with the Princeton University Glee Club and Decoda, Carnegie Hall’s Affiliate Ensemble.

Recomposing America highlights artistic perspectives unique to the United States and the broader Americas through direct commissions, institutional collaborations, and public dialogue. Timed with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Recomposing America aims to refresh and reimagine the “who,” “what,” and “why” of the United States, and the stories therein.