The 2026 season marks a special year at WorldStrides as we ramp up unique travel programs to celebrate the 250th anniversary of America’s founding. Kicking off our Festival at Carnegie Hall 2026 season, WorldStrides has commissioned a new choral work with Dr. Christopher Aspaas, who will also conduct the piece’s debut at Carnegie Hall. Singers of the National Youth Choir performing under Dr. Aspaas’s direction will perform the new work titled “We the People” for the first time on the main stage at the famed Carnegie Hall in New York.
“I find it truly exciting that this work will be premiered in New York City with singers from across the country.” said Aspaas. The piece draws on texts from the Preamble to the Constitution as well as the Declaration of Independence inspired by Aspaas’s desire to inspire and give hope to his own children.
“In our current society, I observe young people feeling powerless and unheard,” said Aspaas when asked about what inspired the work. “Patriotism has assumed a pejorative status for many, and for those that consider it a positive value, they don’t know how to actually express it in ways that do not exclude or diminish.”
Interested in bringing your choir to perform under the direction of one of our esteemed Conductors at Festival at Carnegie Hall? Apply to join us.
The world premiere of We the People will take place on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at Carnegie Hall, as part of our Festival at Carnegie Hall 2026 season. Under Dr. Aspaas’s direction, the National Youth Choir will debut this powerful new work in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
About Dr. Christopher Aspaas:
Dr. Christopher Aspaas is Associate Professor and Division Chair of Choral Activities at TCU. An accomplished conductor, educator, and composer, Dr. Aspaas is widely recognized for his dynamic leadership and commitment to inspiring young musicians through meaningful choral experiences.
