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The Art of Democracy
(Summer 2020)

Introduction

The Classic Song Research Initiative’s first formal collaboration began on June 11 with a series of weekly Facebook Live conversations called The Art of Democracy. The series was hosted by Thomas Hampson and Mark Clague, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Affairs and Associate Professor of Musicology and Entrepreneurship and Leadership at the School of Music, Theatre & Dance. For more information about each conversation, see section below.

The series continues with a special online event on July 4, 2020. Please see below for more details!

“The Art of Democracy will incorporate a range of research and performance projects exploring the role of song and all the arts in American political life,” said Clague. “For example, we will interrogate the role of the arts as part of the problem, and as part of the solution, to the pestilence of inequality. The project’s fundamental argument is that art is a vital tool in the dialogue of ideals—for sharing, understanding, debating, negotiating, and changing one’s mind—that is at the core of any society striving to form a more perfect union.”

The Art of Democracy Online Event (July 4, 2020)

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The Art of Democracy:
Voices of Wisdom (July 4, 2020)

The Art of Democracy: Song in America (June 2020 Conversations)

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The Art of Democracy:
Singing Down the Barriers

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The Art of Democracy:
The Songs of African American Composers

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The Art of Democracy:
Song as Active Citizenship

Hosts:

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Thomas Hampson

Founder & Director, The Hampsong Foundation

Thomas Hampson, America’s foremost baritone, hails from Spokane, Washington. He has received many honors and awards for his probing artistry and cultural leadership. He enjoys a singular international career as an opera singer, recording artist, and “ambassador of song,” maintaining an active interest in research, education, musical outreach, and technology. Comprising more than 150 albums, his discography includes winners of a Grammy Award, five Edison Awards, and the Grand Prix du Disque.

Website
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Mark Clague

Associate Professor of Musicology, University of Michigan, School of Music, Theatre, and Dance

Associate Dean for Undergraduate Academic Affairs; Director, U-M Gershwin Initiative; Co-Editor-in-Chief, MUSA; Associate Professor Entrepreneurship & Leadership; Song of America Curriculum Initiative Master Teacher & Advisor

Website

Dr. Mark Clague on "The Art of Democracy"

June 4, 2020: “The Art of Democracy will incorporate a range of research and performance projects exploring the role of song and all the arts in American political life. For example, we will interrogate the role of the arts as part of the problem, and as part of the solution, to the pestilence of inequality. The project’s fundamental argument is that art is a vital tool in the dialogue of ideals—for sharing, understanding, debating, negotiating, and changing one’s mind—that is at the core of any society striving to form a more perfect union.”

Part of

Classic Song Research Initiative