Composer Maury Yeston Makes History With ‘2000 Voices’

Posted in News on June 19, 2000

BMI award-winning composer Maury Yeston (Titanic, Grand Hotel) made his mark in American history on July 1, 2000 with a performance of his epic musical composition, "An American Cantata: 2000 Voices." This momentous event took place by the reflecting pool on the National Mall.

Maury Yeston

Lincoln Memorial

"An American Cantata" featured 2000 choral voices that included a boys choir and a gospel choir, text excerpts from the Magna Carta, the writings of Thomas Jefferson and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and original lyrics by Yeston, as well as a full orchestra conducted by Leonard Slatkin. The piece, commissioned by Kennedy Center as part of the Kennedy Center Millennium Season, surveys humankind throughout the millennium and honors our greatest achievements.

Composer Maury Yeston (center) is congratulated by BMI's Jean Banks and Robbin Ahrold. Photo: Daryl Friedman/Robbin Ahrold National Symphony Orchestra with the various choral groups. Photo: Robbin Ahrold

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