Composer Karen LeFrak Celebrates America's 250th Anniversary with 'American Promise,' out March 6

Composer Karen LeFrak Presents American Promise, out March 6

New album celebrates 250th anniversary of America with three world premiere recordings
Performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, recorded at Abbey Road Studios
"American Promise" single release: Feb. 13

Watch album trailer: https://bit.ly/49hQ3Id

A symphonic narrative and an intimate reflection: a portrait in sound of courage, endurance, and the unshakable belief that in this land, hope has a home.

New York City, Jan. 13, 2026—New York composer Karen LeFrak celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States with a new orchestral album, American Promise, available March 6. A musical portrait of America, the album was recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra under arranger and conductor William Ross at Abbey Road Studios. American Promise will be released on vinyl and all major streaming platforms, via KL2 Recordings (distributed by Naxos). American Promise, the title piece, will be released as a single on February 13.

A journey through hope, arrival, and belonging, the album celebrates the enduring spirit of the United States with the world premiere recordings of American Promise, Lady Liberty Suite, and Prairie Dawn. LeFrak’s heartfelt compositions meditate on the founding ideals of America, expressed through sweeping orchestral landscapes and intimate lyrical moments.

Karen LeFrak (photo by Danny Sit)

American Promise, for large orchestra, was composed to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It unfolds in four sections—"Fanfare," "March," "Americana," and "Fanfare return"—that are built upon a "Freedom" motif. The piece begins in exhilarated expectancy: brass instruments pose the question of freedom, while strings and winds evoke the stillness of dawn over a land of opportunity. A clarinet emerges with a prayer-like theme that grows into a public declaration carried by the full orchestra. Broad, luminous harmonies paint images of vast plains and open skies, while the music rises to a climax that recalls the words at the core of the nation’s founding: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.

Lady Liberty Suite, also for full orchestra, is a musical testament to liberty. The first movement, "Arrival," captures the awe of first glimpsing the Statue of Liberty from a ship shrouded in fog. "The City" brims with perpetual motion, its restless strings and soaring brass mirroring the energy of New York, with its countless voices, infinite rhythms, and unending possibility. "A New Land," the finale, reflects the moment of beginning anew. Its dignified, resolute melodies embody the determination of those who step ashore, their journeys woven into the ever-unfolding story of America.

London Symphony Orchestra (photo by Jude Lacey for Stagecast)

The album closes with Prairie Dawn, for solo clarinet and strings, a contemplation of gratitude and quiet resilience. The clarinet sings a tender, folk-like prayer while lush strings and harp surround it with light. This is music of roots taking hold, of traditions becoming daily rituals, honoring our nation and the lives built upon them.

American Promise will receive its world premiere performances on February 13 & 14, in Washington D.C., by the National Symphony Orchestra. A performance by the Miami Symphony Orchestra follows in March, with additional performances scheduled with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, The Florida Orchestra, and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra USA, among others. Visit karenlefrak.com.

Karen LeFrak and William Ross (photo by Jude Lacey for Stagecast)

Karen LeFrak: American Promise

American Promise (8:30)

Lady Liberty Suite

• Lady Liberty – Arrival (5:32)
• Lady Liberty – The City (2:58)
• Lady Liberty – A New Land (4:47)

Prairie Dawn (3:46)

London Symphony Orchestra

Arranged and conducted by William Ross
Recorded at Abbey Road Studios, London

Produced by Mary Webster

Recorded August 26, 2025

KL2 Recordings, distributed by Naxos of America
KLM028

Narration on American Promise by Keith David
Album notes by Daniel Boico

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