Anthem to US, a new project presented by Brooklyn Public Library and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, in collaboration with the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts and Queens Public Library, invites all voices—those born within these borders and those who made their way here—to create a contemporary anthem that echoes our collective hopes, struggles, and untold histories.
Of nearly 100 participants, three finalists advanced to collaborate with composers, including Damien L. Sneed, Jaime Lozano, Martha Redbone and Aaron Whitby, to craft a finished piece. The finalists were:
Jaquetta Bustion (“We Are US” Composed by Jaime Lozano)
D.L. Newton (“Big Country” Composed by Damien Sneed)
Jessy Tomsko (“Let Them Fly” Composed by Martha Redbone & Aaron Whitby)
The final three anthems were judged by luminaries Sandra Cisneros, Rosanne Cash, Laurie Anderson, and Anthony Barfield, and were brought to life with performances on Saturday, July 6, 2024 at Lincoln Center, as part of their Summer for the City festival.
The winner of the Anthem to US contest is Jessy Tomsko (“Let Them Fly” Composed by Martha Redbone & Aaron Whitby).
To learn more about the finalists, judges and concert, please visit AnthemtoUS.org.