Experience a choral meditation on national identity and freedom.

As composer David Lang researched the world’s national anthems, he noticed the lyrics shared a common theme: that freedom is fragile and easily lost. Lang channeled this discovery into his 2014 choral composition the national anthems, a poignant reflection on national identity and finding common ground.

Join us for performances of the national anthems featuring the five-time Grammy-nominated Clarion Choir alongside Grammy winners and 2022-24 MetLiveArts Quartet in Residence Catalyst Quartet in the American Wing’s light-filled Charles Engelhard Court.

These performances are part of the Met's programming to mark America's 250th anniversary and are free with museum admission. The performances are also part of Carnegie Hall's Festival United in Sound: America at 250. 

The Clarion Choir
The Catalyst Quartet
Steven Fox, conductor