Recomposing America
An Evolving Score
The story of the United States is more than a finished artifact or a static history to be preserved: it is a continuous, living flow of cultural energy. To both demonstrate and expound on this through the intersection of composition and public engagement, ACF’s Recomposing America embraces the ongoing work of re-writing our collective narratives by recognizing that the pursuit of a more perfect union requires us to actively listen to, elevate, and integrate the broadest possible scope of American voices.
At the heart of this program is the belief that profound societal transformation begins with the individual. We honor the innate dignity and boundless potential of the individual creator by providing direct funding, performance support, and commissions that span the full breadth of the American sound, from orchestral and chamber music to jazz, rock, hip hop, and Native traditions. By intentionally investing in narrative-focused artists and hosting community events, we center voices that have historically been excluded from classical and contemporary stages. We trust that empowering an authentic voice to share their truth creates a ripple effect, sparking inner transformation in listeners and helping to reshape our broader culture.
At ACF, we affirm that music is a catalyst for unity and renewal. Recomposing America utilizes the unique power of composition to bypass division and speak directly to our shared humanity. By confronting our shared history and reclaiming narratives through art, we build a resilient platform where every identity can resonate fully.
Ultimately, this program is a testament to culture as our most vital tool for connection. Through continuous dialogue, rigorous creation, and deep respect for the individual, Recomposing America aims not only to redefine the American sound, but to lay the groundwork for a nation in which the value of each individual is centered in our collective engagement – one composition, one creator, and one listener at a time.
Explore Recomposing America Projects
Gradient
Born on the 4th of July
Opus Cope
YELLFIRE
Matriarch
It’s Black, It’s U.S.
Invictus piano concerto
Sanctuary
Black Joy Verses
Promises Kept
Fiesta de la Calle de San Sebastián en Filadelfia
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
Recomposing America is supported, in part, by the Jerome Foundation, the McKnight Foundation, the Thelma Hunter Fund, the Fred Noah Gordon Charitable Fund, Augusta Gross and Leslie Samuels, the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation, and the Hewlett Foundation.
Additional support is made possible with the outstanding generosity of the following individuals through American Composers Forum’s ACF | connect program: Jane Anfinson, Thomas Arneson, Suzanne Asher, Carol Barnett, Pearl and Bob Bergad, Margee and Will Bracken, Karen Brooks, Richard Cisek and Kay Fredericks, Dee Ann and Kent Crossley, Julia W. Dayton, C. Lee Essrig, Rosemary & David Good Family Foundation, Katherine Goodale, Jeff and Hyun Mee Graves, Carol Heen, Steve Heitzeg and Gwen Pappas, Kathleen Henschel and John Dewes, Linda and Jack Hoeschler, Leaetta Hough and Bob Muschewske, Sam Hsu and Sally Cheng, Hella Mears Hueg Estate Gift, Thelma Hunter Estate Gift, John and Ruth Huss, George Frederick Jewett Foundation East, Art and Martha Kaemmer, Jennifer Leopold and Stephen Katz, Jon Lewis and Lisa Merklin, Mike and Kay McCarthy, Greg McNeely, Alfred and Ann Moore, Louis and Gloria Nuechterlein, John Nuechterlein and Dan Monson, John and Debbie Orenstein, I.A. O’Shaughnessy Foundation in memory of Thelma Hunter, David and Judy Ranheim, Denice Rippentrop, Vanessa Rose, Bill and Susan Sands, Gale Sharpe, Doug and Kathy Skor, Dan and Ellie Thomas, Stephen and Jayne Usery, Kathleen van Bergen, Janika Vandervelde, Jim Wafler, and Margaret and Angus Wurtele.