The Song of America Tour is meant to "celebrate creativity across America," according to James H. Billington, librarian of Congress. "We want to celebrate the energy and inventive spirit that is such an integral part of our cultural history, and I cannot think of a more qualified and accomplished ambassador for the first part than Tom."

Hampson will perform works from the Library's collection by Leonard Bernstein, Charles Ives, Aaron Copland, and Samuel Barber, as well as by such lesser-known composers as Harry T. Burleigh, Arthur Farwell, and Elinor Remick Warren. The works are as various as psalms, cowboy songs, hymns, war songs, Negro spirituals, and folk songs, and range from the 18th century to the present day.

Tour dates follow below. Contact individual venues for ticket information. Information is also available at http://www.loc.gov/creativity/hampson/.

November 12, 2005: Carlsen Center/Yardley Hall, Kansas City, KS
November 15, 2005: Bass Hall/Founders Theatre, Fort Worth, TX
January 8, 2006: Kimmel Center/Verizon Hall, Philadelphia, PA
January 17, 2006: Ordway Theatre/Main Hall, St. Paul, MN
January 19, 2006: Carnegie Hall/Isaac Stern Auditorium, New York City, NY
March 15, 2006: Orchestra Hall, Detroit, MI
March 19, 2006: Kravis Center/Dreyfoos Hall, West Palm Beach, FL
March 21, 2006: University of Mississippi/Ford Center Main Hall, Oxford, MS
May 28, 2006: Orchestra Hall, Chicago, IL
May 30, 2006: Holland Performing Arts Center/Concert Hall, Omaha, NE
June 3, 2006: California Theatre, San Jose, CA