Let the People Hear It: One Hundred Years of Concerts at the Library of Congress (Collection Close-Ups)

Since 1925, the Library of Congress has presented one of the most prestigious and innovative concert series in the United States. Philanthropist Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge founded the series with the purpose of sharing music of the highest caliber with the American people. Her vision was clear: concerts would be free and open to all, the finest touring artists and ensembles would appear, and both traditional and new repertoire would be performed.

The Library’s Coolidge Auditorium, renowned for its sublime acoustics, has hosted the world premiere of Martha Graham and Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring, (1944), residencies by the likes of Rosanne Cash and John Adams, and the 2023 Salute to Strayhorn festival marking the arrival of the jazz legend’s collection at the Library. Among the more than 700 new works commissioned by the Library of Congress are compositions by stalwarts of twentieth century music, such as Igor Stravinsky and Arnold Schoenberg, and newer voices including George Walker and Tania León.

Let the People Hear It: Concerts from the Library of Congress at 100 shares the history of this remarkable series through the people, music, and collections that have inspired countless listeners. Photographs, historical documents, and unique music manuscripts demonstrate how the concert series enriched and preserved America’s musical, dance, and theater heritage, all while fostering a community of music lovers.

Nicholas A. Brown-Cáceres is acting chief of the Library of Congress’s Music Division. He previously served in senior leadership roles at the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System and Washington Performing Arts and he is a former Army bandsman.

Dr. David H. Plylar is a music specialist and concert producer at the Library of Congress. He is also a composer and pianist who writes about music.