“Fellow citizens, we cannot escape history. We of this congress and this administration will be remembered in spite of ourselves. No personal significance or insignificance can spare one or another of us. The fiery trial through which we pass will light us down in honor or dishonor to the latest generation. We, even we here, hold the power and bear the responsibility.” — Abraham Lincoln, from his Annual Message to Congress, December 1, 1862

Notes from Maestro Hangen: “February is Black History Month and the birthday of President Abraham Lincoln. To commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution in musical terms, we’ll play works by two African-American composers, William Grant Still and Hale Smith. I also think it’s fitting to honor Lincoln’s legacy with Copland’s classic tribute and music from John Williams’s score for the 2012 epic film Lincoln.”