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In a sweeping, pandemic‑born initiative, pianist Min Kwon gathered 76 musicians to reinterpret the historic hymn “America the Beautiful,” producing a five‑CD box set and streaming release that blends prayer, protest and personal reflection.The 76‑Artist “America/Beautiful” Project Takes ShapeKwon, a professor at Rutgers University, sought a unifying theme that could accommodate a wide range of artistic voices. She chose Bates and Ward’s “America the Beautiful” for its familiarity and flexibility, inviting composers from Terry Riley to Nico Muhly and rising talents like Tyson Davis to submit new works. The collaboration unfolded through email, WhatsApp, Zoom calls and YouTube livestreams during the 2020 lockdown, culminating in a diverse anthology of piano‑driven pieces.Numbers Behind the Collaboration: 76 Interpretations, 5‑CD Box Set, Streaming Release76 distinct compositions from a mix of established and emerging artists.5‑CD physical box set released to mark America’s 250th anniversary.Available on major streaming platforms, expanding reach beyond traditional classical audiences.Cultural Resonance: Healing, Protest, and Community in Post‑Pandemic AmericaThe project emerged from a period of national crisis—COVID‑19 isolation paired with the racial justice protests sparked by George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. Participants describe their pieces as “prayers, protests, dreams or confessions,” reflecting a collective desire for connection and a re‑examination of American identity. Live performances, including a dramatic rendition in Brooklyn’s Green‑Wood Cemetery and a duet with jazz pianist Vijay Iyer, underscore the work’s role in fostering dialogue across genres and generations.Looking Ahead: How Collaborative Music May Shape Future American NarrativesBy demonstrating how a single song can serve as a canvas for a multitude of voices, Kwon’s project points to a future where large‑scale, digitally coordinated collaborations become a staple of American cultural production. As streaming and remote creation tools improve, similar initiatives could amplify marginalized perspectives and keep the conversation about national values alive for decades to come.