The Sounds of Independence

This July America celebrates the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Its principal author was Thomas Jefferson.

We all know from school that Jefferson was a man of many talents: a writer, statesman, architect, botanist, inventor, but also a great musician. He was one of the finest violinists in the colonies.

He had an enormous collection of sheet music at his home in Monticello, which has been archived at the Library of Congress and the University of Virginia. For over 200 years, historians and musicians have been able to see exactly what type of music Jefferson enjoyed. Not surprisingly, he was a big fan of Haydn and Mozart, who were both alive in 1776, but there were other works in his collection that may surprise you.

In this special semiquincentennial program, the Kemyndable trio will play music that you might have heard played at Monticello 250 years ago, as well as popular songs from the time of our Nation’s Independence.

All are welcome. Register online.