A Tribute to Family and Legacy: Harry Connick Jr. to Premiere New Work at Carnegie Hall
In a heartfelt celebration of family, music, and national pride, Harry Connick Jr. is set to make his Carnegie Hall main stage debut on May 22, 2026, with a deeply personal composition titled Elaboratio. This piece is a tribute to his mother, Anita Frances Livingston, marking the 100th anniversary of her birth. Connick, who has always held his mother in the highest regard, described this project as something that would have made her proud. Elaboratio is not only a musical reflection on her life but also a lasting honor to her memory. The performance will be repeated the following night, ensuring that her legacy resonates with audiences on multiple occasions.
Connick’s mother passed away in 1981 when he was just 13 years old, but her influence on his life and career has been profound. Elaboratio will be a three-movement piece, each movement representing one of the three places she lived: New York, Nouaceur, Morocco, and New Orleans. This geographical journey through her life will be a fitting tribute to a woman who instilled in her son a deep love for music and the arts. Connick’s decision to premiere this work at Carnegie Hall is particularly meaningful, as it was a venue she always wanted him to perform at. This debut is not just a professional milestone but also a fulfillment of his mother’s wishes.
The composition is still in the works, but Connick’s passion and dedication to the project are evident. He has been reserving this date at Carnegie Hall for seven years, a testament to his commitment to honoring his mother’s memory. Elaboratio is more than just a performance; it is a celebration of life, love, and the enduring power of music to transcend time and touch hearts.
Carnegie Hall’s “United in Sound: America at 250” Festival Celebrates American Unity and Musical Diversity
The 2025-26 season at Carnegie Hall is set to be a landmark celebration of American music and culture with its festival titled United in Sound: America at 250. This ambitious program, which runs from January to July, will feature over 35 performances showcasing a wide range of genres, including jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, hip-hop, Broadway, and bluegrass. The festival is a fitting tribute to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, highlighting the rich musical heritage of the United States and its ability to unite people across generations and backgrounds.
The festival will include works by some of America’s most iconic composers, such as Samuel Barber, Leonard Bernstein, Duke Ellington, and George Gershwin, as well as contemporary voices like Philip Glass, Wynton Marsalis, and Julia Wolfe. Additionally, Carnegie Hall is making a conscious effort to highlight underrepresented composers, including Amy Beach, Florence Price, and William Dawson. This inclusivity reflects the diversity that has always been at the heart of American music and culture.
One of the festival’s standout events is a March 2 concert featuring J. Harrison Ghee and Betsy Wolf, titled The Secret Life of the American Musical. This performance is inspired by Jack Viertel’s book on the making of Broadway shows, offering audiences a unique glimpse into the artistry and craftsmanship behind some of America’s most beloved musicals. This event, along with the many others planned, promises to be a celebration of the very best of American music and theater.
Opening Night: A Grand Celebration of American Music
The festival will officially kick off on October 7, 2025, with a grand opening night concert led by conductor Daniel Harding. The program will feature alumni of the National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America and pianist Yuja Wang, showcasing a blend of classical and American repertoire. The evening’s highlights will include Leonard Bernstein’s iconic selections from the symphonic dances of West Side Story, Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1, and Stravinsky’s The Firebird Suite. This eclectic mix of works will set the tone for a season that celebrates both the timelessness of classical music and the uniqueness of American musical traditions.
The inclusion of Bernstein’s West Side Story is particularly significant, as it represents the intersection of classical music and American popular culture. This piece, with its vibrant rhythms and emotional depth, will undoubtedly resonate with audiences and serve as a powerful reminder of the enduring appeal of American music. The participation of the National Youth Orchestra adds a dynamic and youthful energy to the performance, highlighting the importance of nurturing the next generation of musical talent.
Perspectives Series: A Celebration of Musical Excellence
Carnegie Hall’s Perspectives series will be a major highlight of the 2025-26 season, featuring some of the world’s most renowned artists. Conductor Marin Alsop, pianist Lang Lang, mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard, and violinist Maxim Vengerov will each take center stage in a series of performances that promise to showcase their exceptional musical talents. These artists are not only celebrated for their technical prowess but also for their ability to connect with audiences on a deeply emotional level.
In addition to these performances, Carnegie Hall has announced that composer Arvo Pärt will hold the Debs Composer’s Chair during the season. Although Pärt, who turns 90 in September, will not be able to travel to New York due to his age, his music will undoubtedly be a focal point of the season. His compositions, known for their simplicity and profound spirituality, will offer audiences a moment of reflection and contemplation amidst the celebration of American music.
A Celebration of American Musical Heritage
The United in Sound: America at 250 festival is more than just a series of concerts; it is a celebration of the rich and diverse musical heritage of the United States. From jazz and rock ‘n’ roll to hip-hop and bluegrass, the festival will showcase the many genres that have shaped American music over the centuries. This diversity is a testament to the cultural melting pot that America has always been, where different traditions and influences come together to create something truly unique.
The festival will also highlight the contributions of underrepresented composers, ensuring that their voices are heard and their works are celebrated. This commitment to diversity and inclusion will make the festival a truly representative celebration of American music, reflecting the country’s past, present, and future.
A Season of Musical Joy and Reflection
The 2025-26 season at Carnegie Hall promises to be a season of musical joy and reflection. From Harry Connick Jr.’s deeply personal tribute to his mother to the grand celebration of American music in the United in Sound: America at 250 festival, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. The season will be a reminder of the power of music to bring people together, to inspire, and to celebrate the shared experiences that define us as a nation.
As Carnegie Hall looks to the future, it remains a beacon of musical excellence and a place where the past, present, and future of music come together. This season will be a fitting celebration of that legacy and a testament to the enduring power of music to touch our hearts and minds.
