As America approaches its 250th birthday, we must reflect on whether it’s yet the “land of the free” as envisioned. Austin Gay Men’s Chorus does so with a thoughtful program connecting the works of two composers named Thompson, divided by seven decades. Randall Thompson’s Testament of Freedom (1943) was inspired by Thomas Jefferson’s writings and composed to celebrate his 200th birthday. Selections from this hopeful and patriotic work are interwoven with movements from Joel Thompson’s Seven Last Words of the Unarmed (2015), which applies the last words of seven unarmed Black men before they were killed to the format of Haydn’s The Seven Last Words of Christ. This powerful musical conversation is complemented by works from Sam Cooke, Beyoncé, and more, inviting connection, reflection, and celebration. – Kat McNevins
