USIA Artistic Ambassador Program musical commissions
Contributors: Bacon, Ernst, 1898-1990; Dello Joio, Norman, 1913-2008; Finney, Ross Lee, 1906-1997; Foss, Lukas, 1922-2009; Gould, Morton, 1913-1996; Hoiby, Lee; Lees, Benjamin, 1924-2010; Mayer, William, 1925-; Muczynski, Robert, 1929-2010; Perle, George, 1915-2009; Rochberg, George; Siegmeister, Elie, 1909-1991; Smit, Leo, 1921-1999; Robilette, John
Published: 1973
Language: eng
Number of pages: 60
Subjects: Commissioning; Music; United States Information Agency; Manuscripts; United States Information Agency. Artistic Ambassador Program
Other titles: United States Information Agency Artistic Ambassador Program musical commissions,
Description: This collection consists of works commissioned by the Artistic Ambassador Program and other materials related to the program. It includes holograph manuscripts and sketches, or both, for all thirteen commissioned pieces by the following composers: Ernst Bacon, Norman Dello Joio, Ross Lee Finney, Lukas Foss, Morton Gould, Lee Hoiby, Benjamin Lees, William Mayer, Robert Muczynski, George Perle, George Rochberg, Elie Siegmeister, and Leo Smit. Two additional pieces by Foss and Smit that were commissioned by the USIA before the establishment of the program are also included. In addition, the materials include correspondence, memoranda, performance reviews, brochures, press releases, clippings, biographical materials, and administrative documents.
Notes: Open to research.

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USIA Artistic Ambassador Program Musical Commissions, Music Division, Library of Congress.

Certain restrictions to use or copying of materials may apply.

Gift or deposit; contributing composers and John Robilette; between 1984 and 1988.

transferred to the Library of Congress Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division.

The United States Information Agency (USIA) was established by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in August 1953 and was active until October 1, 1999. One way the USIA fulfilled its mission involved the identification, promotion, and financial support of young, virtuoso American performers as "ambassadors" of international understanding and goodwill. Following the success of a 1982 pilot program that sent pianist Robert Noland to tour France and Germany, USIA director Charles Z. Wick formally launched the Artistic Ambassador Program in April 1983 under the leadership of John Robilette and named pianist Arthur Greene the second artistic ambassador. The program continued to expand rapidly, and by 1985, eleven pianists had traveled to thirty-eight countries, including the Soviet Union and China. By 1986 and 1987 respectively, the performance programs had also incorporated violin-piano duos and violoncello-piano duos. Touring efforts continued until the termination of the program in 1989. In addition to its support of performers, the program sought commissioned works from eminent American composers, including Norman Dello Joio, Morton Gould, George Rochberg, and others. This marked one of the first dedicated efforts by the federal government to commission musical works for the purpose of promoting American culture abroad. Between 1983 and 1987, a total of thirteen works were commissioned by the program.

Finding aid available in the Library of Congress Performing Arts Reading Room and at http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.music/eadmus.mu010007