Hard to imagine a better way to celebrate Independence Day than this excellent (and at the same time educational) concert. Just hearing one of America's best singers sing the National Anthem was reason enough to attend, but there was much more on the program including the original "Anacreon in Heaven," the source music for the anthem. Hampson was, as usual, in fine form both singing and commenting on the songs. He was joined in commentary by Mark Clague, a musicologist from the Univ. of Michigan, and a fine male choral group comprised of Univ. of Michigan alumni allowed an version of the anthem to be presented as it would have been heard early in its nearly 200 year history. Also included were a couple of parody versions of the anthem, some other patriotic music, and a recent piece commissioned for Hampson. Altogether a stirring event perfect for the national holiday!