Hadelich and Weiss Celebrate American Music at MIT Concert

Acclaimed violinist and pianist perform a program spanning a century of American musical identity.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Celebrated violinist Augustin Hadelich and pianist Orion Weiss brought their acclaimed album "American Road Trip" to life in a concert at MIT's Thomas Tull Concert Hall. The program featured works by American composers including Ives, Copland, Adams, Hartke, Roumain, and Beach, showcasing the diversity and evolution of American music over the past century.

Why it matters

The concert was part of the Boston Symphony Orchestra's month-long "E Pluribus Unum: From Many, One" festival, celebrating the 250th anniversary of American democracy. The program explored how American music has reflected the country's identity, blending various influences and styles to create a uniquely American sound.

The details

The evening opened with Charles Ives's Sonata No. 4, "Children's Day at the Camp Meeting," which featured hymn tunes played in a fractured, reassembled style. This was followed by Aaron Copland's lively "Ukulele Serenade" and "Hoe-Down" from Rodeo. The centerpiece was John Adams's "Road Movies," a three-movement work evoking the open highways and restlessness of American travel. Other highlights included the world premiere of Carlos Simon's "Serenade" and a virtuosic performance of Daniel Bernard Roumain's "Filter," a bluesy, rock-inspired homage to Jimi Hendrix.

  • The concert took place on February 1, 2026.
  • The Boston Symphony Orchestra's "E Pluribus Unum: From Many, One" festival ran throughout the month of February 2026.

The players

Augustin Hadelich

An acclaimed Italian-born German-American violinist who came to the United States two decades ago to study at the Juilliard School.

Orion Weiss

A renowned American pianist who performed alongside Hadelich.

Thomas Tull Concert Hall

The venue at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where the concert took place.

Boston Symphony Orchestra

The orchestra that organized the "E Pluribus Unum: From Many, One" festival, of which this concert was a part.

Carlos Simon

The Boston Symphony Orchestra's composer-in-residence, who premiered a new work at the concert.

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The takeaway

This concert showcased the rich diversity and evolution of American music, reflecting the country's identity through a blend of various influences and styles. The program's exploration of American musical identity was a fitting tribute to the 250th anniversary of American democracy.