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 The 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.