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A More Perfect Union: Musical Reflections on Six Amendments to the U.S. Constitution

Orchestra 2001

        Coming UpWomen’s Right to Vote: Valerie Gay – New Work
Coming UpFreedom of Religion: Mark Loria, conductor/organist
Coming UpAbolition of Slavery:  Kalena Bovell, conductor
Coming UpFreedoms of Petition, Speech, and Assembly

Philadelphia Fife and Drum. Photo by James Winston.

Orchestra 2001 performs ¡CONEXIONES! Mexico on Cinco de Mayo 2019 at Teatro Esperanza, spotlighting the music of Mexican composers, including the world premiere of Transcending Walls by Francisco Cortés-Álvarez. Photo courtesy of Orchestra 2001. — Orchestra 2001 performs ¡CONEXIONES! Mexico on Cinco de Mayo 2019 at Teatro Esperanza, spotlighting the music of Mexican composers, including the world premiere of *Transcending Walls* by Francisco Cortés-Álvarez. Photo courtesy of Orchestra 2001.

A collage of the 30 composers featured in A More Perfect Union: Musical Reflections on Five Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Courtesy of Orchestra 2001. — A collage of the 30 composers featured in *A More Perfect Union: Musical Reflections on Five Amendments to the U.S. Constitution*. Courtesy of Orchestra 2001.

Recipient

Grant Year

Grant Amount $172,800 

Status Forthcoming

Updated March 10, 2026

A performance series during America’s 250th anniversary interprets six important constitutional amendments through contemporary classical music. Featuring both new commissions and existing works from thirty American composers—including many based in Philadelphia—A More Perfect Union examines the nation’s blueprint for democracy and provokes thoughts on freedoms of speech, religion, press, and assembly; the right to bear arms; the abolition of slavery; women’s suffrage; and the repeal of prohibition.

The total grant amount represents project funding plus an additional 20% in unrestricted general operating support.

Supporting Events

Performance Women’s Right to Vote: Valerie Gay – New Work

May 26, 2026
Dilworth Plaza – City Hall
1 S. 15th Street, Philadelphia 19102

Performance Freedom of Religion: Mark Loria, conductor/organist

May 31, 2026
7 p.m.
Christ Church
20 N. American Street, Philadelphia 19106

Performance Abolition of Slavery: Kalena Bovell, conductor

Jun 7, 2026
7 p.m.
African American Museum in Philadelphia
701 Arch Street, Philadelphia 19106

Performance Freedoms of Petition, Speech, and Assembly

Jun 11, 2026
7:30 p.m.
Settlement School of Music, Queen Village
416 Queen Street, Philadelphia 19147

Recipient

Orchestra 2001

Orchestra 2001 is a collective of adventurous, virtuoso performers dedicated to the music of our time. The ensemble connects diverse audiences with music of the 20th and 21st centuries, engaging new listeners through concerts, innovative artistic collaborations, and enriching community partnerships in Philadelphia and beyond. Orchestra 2001 has performed across the US and overseas, including prominent concert halls and festivals in Austria, Denmark, England, Russia, Cuba, China, Hong Kong, United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. Recipient of the Philadelphia Arts + Business Council Award, it has performed in 41 of the city’s 48 zip codes.

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