The DHC Legacy Project is an ongoing initiative to complete and publish the vast catalog of works by Grammy-nominated composer/performer Deborah Henson-Conant ("DHC") — musicals, concertos, chamber works, and stories with music.
For decades, she premiered these works in collaboration with organizations like the Kennedy Center, Baltimore Symphony, Chicago Humanities Festival - yet only 3% of this catalog has been published.
WHY? Racing from performance to performance as both composer and featured soloist, she prioritized writing detailed manuscripts for orchestral musicians while improvising her own parts from sketches, leaving gaps in manuscripts to be filled later. That 'later' is now.
HERE'S WHAT'S AT STAKE: The 3% that HAS been published has revolutionized harp repertoire and opened new stages for harpists worldwide, from students to professionals. Her award-winning musical "The Golden Cage" streams globally, and her concerto "Baroque Flamenco" is constantly adapted for new collaborations.
Imagine the impact when the remaining 97% is complete.
HOW WILL THAT HAPPEN? In 2022, DHC created a legacy team composed of performers, transcribers, teachers, and editors who work with the composer to help her transform her sketches into completed works.
Your donations help pay for transcription, editing, conversion, layout, publication & promotion of these works, getting them into the hands of performers, onto stages and pairing sponsors with performers who can't afford to license the works. Meet the team and see production & release schedule at DHC Legacy Project
WHY DOES THIS MATTER RIGHT NOW? With arts budgets slashed, performers and organizations need repertoire that works at every budget, flexible pieces that can be performed solo, with chamber ensemble or with orchestra. At the same time, students need repertoire that supports their self-expression at every level of development. DHC's works provide that.
YOUR IMPACT
Your support enables DHC to complete thesemanuscripts for publication, fund performance licensing and scholarships, build worldwide partnerships with performers and educators, and document both the works and methodology for future artists.
This isn't just repertoire—it's a complete musical ecosystemthat empowers careers and inspires audiences through authentic self-expression in works that scale from student to professional, solo to orchestral and connects with audiences on stages from living rooms to concert halls. Learn more: DHC Legacy Project
