A Special Event of the U-M Classic Song Research Initiative,

a partnership between the School of Music, Theatre & Dance

and the Hampsong Foundation

with the Singing Justice Humanities Collaboratory and the SMTD Voice Department

This four-day American Song Institute explored song by American composers through performance, research, and public engagement. Baritone Thomas Hampson served as artistic director and clinician of the American Song Institute. A special focus was placed on the institute’s Fellows—a select group of eight young classical singers and two collaborative pianists (Vocal Fellows and Collaborative Piano Fellows). Each were current SMTD students at the University of Michigan. They took part in an intensive and immersive experience of lessons, discussions, master classes, and a public performance with Mr. Hampson. An additional master class will feature eight undergraduate voice majors.

Members of the University of Michigan faculty from the School of Music, Theatre & Dance as well as the College of Literature, Science and the Arts joined Hampson as part of this Institute. Two panel discussions focusd on expanding the canon of American classic song and on the role of music and song in the understanding of American History. The Singing Justice Humanities Collaboratory presented an interactive recital, exploring the meanings and social impact of Black American song.

Through morning warm-ups, lessons, and masterclasses, as well as panel discussions, lectures, and other events covering a wide range of topics in American arts and letters, all participants emerged with a deeper knowledge of American classic song repertoire. Student participants are better prepared to lead the future of American song performance in the concert hall.

The institute concluded with a recital featuring the Fellows, Mr. Hampson, and Professor Martin Katz at 8 pm Eastern, Saturday, September 10 in Stamps Auditorium on North Campus.

All public events were open to members of the University of Michigan and Ann Arbor community free of charge. Some public events were streamed live internationally.