Smithsonian Associates will present a dynamic program series that explores the roles of sound and music across diverse religious traditions in the United States. Blending live performance with engaging conversation, the five-part series invites audiences to experience how sound functions as a powerful expression of faith, identity and community. The series opens with “Faith in Harmony: Soundscapes of American Spirituality: Horn” Thursday, May 14, at 6 p.m. at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Featuring the music of brass bands, the sounding of the shofar and more, the first session explores how American spiritual communities use the horn today to celebrate their faith in harmony.
Rooted in the nation’s commitment to freedom of belief, the series explores the rich and evolving landscape of religion and spirituality in America—including Jewish, Islamic, Christian, Buddhist, Hindu and Native American spiritual practices, among others—through celebration of sound. Programs feature performances and conversations that reveal the human connections that emerge when sounds resonate in harmony.
All programs in the series are free and open to the public with registration. Four in-person sessions—hosted in some of the Smithsonian’s marquee performance venues on the National Mall—delve into the way sound can reflect, shape and amplify diverse faith traditions. Sessions will explore beat (Thursday, Aug. 6), ringing (Thursday, Sept. 3) and voice (Tuesday, Nov. 17). The final virtual program (Tuesday, Dec. 15) weaves together elements of the nation’s spiritual practices culminating in a symphony of uplifting sound. To register, the public can visit the Smithsonian Associates website or call (202) 633-3030.
This project received funding from the Smithsonian’s “Our Shared Future: 250,” a Smithsonian-wide initiative supported by private philanthropy and created to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary and advance the Smithsonian vision for the next 250 years.
For over 60 years, Smithsonian Associates—the world’s largest museum-based education program—has produced vibrant educational and cultural programming that brings the Smithsonian to life. Inspired by the Smithsonian’s research, collections and exhibitions nearly 1,000 public programs spark creativity and excite learning in people of all ages each year.