Inspired to create something positive out of the pandemic, Korean-born American pianist Min Kwon has invited 75 composers to write variations on the patriotic song, 'America the Beautiful'.
During the pandemic, Kwon started a project with more than 70 composers to create different versions of the song to fit the many moods of America. She performs them across the nation.
Looking at how the country has evolved and changed over the last century, the pianist Min Kwon wondered what it would sound like if this traditional tune evolved and changed as well. So, she invited more than 70 composers to write variations for solo piano based on a theme of "America the Beautiful." The result is a new project, America/Beautiful.
From key to shining key. Pianist Min Kwon enlists leading musicians from a wide range of backgrounds for their take on the classic anthem.
Min Kwon's pandemic-inspired project showcases 70 diverse interpretations of "America the Beautiful."
Pianist Min Kwon is the driving force behind a project to use the patriotic standard to celebrate the US’s diversity
When pianist Min Kwon moved to the U.S. from South Korea at just 13 years old, she fell in love with the song and sentiments of “America the Beautiful.” During the height of the pandemic and a time of racial reckoning, Kwon decided to work with more than 70 composers to create different versions of the song to match the many moods of America.
"A monumental statement, both about contemporary America and contemporary music, that will surely establish itself as one of the major musical works of this century."
Min Kwon, a Rutgers University professor and pianist, has commissioned 75 composers around the globe to reimagine "America the Beautiful."
Concert musician Min Kwon will be hosting a marathon performance of 70 variations of the patriotic anthem in her project “America/Beautiful” on July 4th.
The upcoming event invites listeners to hear a familiar tune in a new way.
“America/Beautiful” is set to premiere in a series of virtual and live performances beginning on July 4 with variations by more than 70 composers. For an immigrant from a fairly homogenous society, Kwon said, having people of all different colors, cultures, histories and traditions is what’s so exhilarating about being in America.
Kwon looks for the beauty in the American credo e pluribus unum.
Pianist Min Kwon had been considering commissioning a set of variations, not unlike the Diabelli Variations, before the pandemic put the world on hold. Over the past year she expanded her vision, reaching out to composers for their various reflections on "America the Beautiful."
Join Min Kwon and Jed Distler for music and conversation on Between the Keys, exclusively on The Classical Network and WWFM.org.
July 4 - 9, 2021: Online Live Streaming & The Catacombs of The Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn
On Friday, July 9, 2021, pianist Min Kwon will give the world premiere of composer Robert Sirota's Two Variations on America the Beautiful, presented by Death of Classical's Angel's Share series at Green-Wood Cemetery (500 25th St., Brooklyn, NY).
Pianist Min Kwon speaks to ICIYL about her inspirations for the America/Beautiful project
Min Kwon, Professor of Piano at Mason Gross School of the Arts, announces her new project "America/Beautiful" which will premiere in July of this year.
Min Kwon speaks to SFCV about the origins and vision for her new project, America/Beautiful
The Korean-born American pianist Min Kwon premieres 70 commissioned variations on “America the Beautiful.” To assemble her quilt, Kwon has reached out to composers from sea to shining sea.