On Sunday, November 1, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. at St. Paul and St. Andrew Church, Dessoff joins the national 250th celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with its November concert featuring Gregg Smith’s A Continental Harmonist. This work is based on the music of William Billings, who is considered the first American choral composer. Conceived in part by Smith as a ballet, the work features a newly created dance sequence by Freddie Moore and Footprints Dance Company. The concert also includes a performance of Stravinsky’s Symphony of Psalms, also with a new dance sequence, and a Margaret Bonds world premiere.