American Music has never been as important as it is right now

SiriusXM Music is Switzerland – we are neutral in all things political.  But regardless of which side we might lean on when it comes to politics, we can very likely agree that these are challenging times in which we now live.

That’s why American music and American musicians have never been more important than they are today.

Slavery, World Wars, the Depression, the 60’s, the Vietnam War War, 9/11 and environmental advocacy: These events have all been set to music, generating profound emotions and bringing new awareness to our history and to current events.

“American music has the power to bring us together, to remind us of the diversity and scope of our collective history, and to move us forward towards the enduring promise of our American Dream.” (Lara Downes, pianist)

Announcing “Living American™,” a weekly program on SiriusXM’s Symphony Hall, Channel 76.

Each week, “Living American™” will present music composed by Americans (including new American citizens) who are composing music that…

• Reflects the times we live in
• Asks questions about our American life, and where we may be headed
• Speaks of the still imaginable and achievable American Dream
• Celebrates America the Beautiful and America the Hopeful

Each program will be curated and hosted by a leading player in the 21^st century classical music, including composers Jenifer Higdon and Nico Muhly, conductors Alan Gilbert and Leonard Slatkin, the Kronos Quartet and the Knights and cellist Alisa Weilerstein and pianist Conrad Tao.

Exclusive SXM Studio performances will also be an important component of “Living American™”.

“Living American™” launches on July 4^th at 7 pm ET – what a perfect day to celebrate American music’s independent spirit. (The program will be repeated each week, Fridays at midnight (9 pm PT) and Sundays at 6 pm.)

Conductor JoAnn Falletta hosts the first program followed by the groundbreaking Kronos Quartet.

I hope this program will spark an increased interest and enthusiasm for music of our time and born from our American spirit.