Soundtrack of Independence
America Independent
America's first Oratorio, with Tempesta di Mare
Music by Handel and Arne became a celebration of the Declaration of Independence in 1781. Join us for its first orchestral performance in 250 years!
May 14, 2026
Details
On Tuesday, December 11, 1781, Francis Hopkinson premiered America Independent, or The Temple of Minerva, the first American oratorio. George and Martha Washington, General Greene and his wife, the Minister of France and many other dignitaries were in attendance, alongside members of the public.
Hopkinson, a noted Philadelphia musician, composer and organizer of performances, utilized a suite of excellent pre-existing music by Handel, Michael and Arne and set to his own words, featuring four allegorical characters: Minerva, The Genius of France, The Genius of America, and the High Priest of Minerva.
Now, we have pulled together the parts of the original score for its first fully orchestral performance in 250 years. Join us!
Soundtrack of Independence is a collaborative celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Dates & Tickets
Performers & Creatives
Tempesta di Mare | Philadelphia Baroque Orchestra
Gwyn Roberts & Richard Stone, directors | Emlyn Ngai, concertmaster
Gwyn Roberts, curation
Richard Stone, score reproduction & preparation
Laura Heimes, soprano
Meg Bragle, mezzo-soprano
Maren Montalbano, mezzo-soprano
Brian Ming Chu, baritone
Program
Handel: Water Music in F
America Independent, or The Temple of Minerva: America’s first Oratorio
Libretto by Francis Hopkinson
Music by Handel, & Arne
Related Performance
Major funding for Soundtrack of Independence as been provided by a grant from The 2026 Fund provided through the Philadelphia Funder Collaborative for the Semiquincentennial, with additional funding from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Musical Fund Society of Philadephia.
