As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, the TCU Concert Chorale presents Portraits of America, a program that explores the nation’s history, identity and evolving story through music. Bringing together a range of voices and perspectives, the performance offers a reflective look at what it means to be American.

Through works by African American, Japanese American, Mexican American and First Nations composers and arrangers, the program highlights the diverse cultural influences that shape the country’s artistic landscape. Selections inspired by the women’s suffrage movement, along with newly composed works by conductor Christopher Aspaas, further deepen the narrative — connecting past and present through themes of identity, resilience and belonging.

“My hope is that we can together experience a more expansive understanding of what ‘We the People’ are through this program, and enter into the celebration of our nation’s anniversary with a spirit of welcome toward all who have made this nation what it is today and what it may become,” Aspaas said.

The program also reflects on both the promise and the challenges of the American experience. Works such as My Plea, which sets the words of a young Japanese American incarcerated during World War II, and When Thunder Comes, which honors figures like Sylvia Mendez and Harvey Milk, highlight stories of struggle alongside those of courage and progress.

For students, the performance carries a powerful sense of purpose.

“This performance, for me, is empowerment in a time when all we seem to ask is ‘What difference can I make?’” Dory McDonald, junior music major, said.

“It is the idea that each of us has a voice, and when we lift them in song together, we can create a powerful sound that drowns out hate and fights against injustice.”

In addition to the Concert Chorale, the performance features members of the School of Music vocal faculty in a reprise of Colossus: Mother of Exiles, a five-movement work composed by Aspaas during his 2024 sabbatical. The piece interweaves Emma Lazarus’ The New Colossus with contemporary poetic responses, offering both historical and modern reflections on immigration, identity and the American experience.

Together, the program invites audiences to reflect on the nation’s past while considering its future — using music as a way to explore, question and celebrate the many voices that define America.

Visit the TCU Calendar for details on the April 25th concert.