Composer Karen LeFrak is reflecting on a music career that began in earnest in her 70s, an unexpected trajectory that has led to over 60 million streams. Her latest album, "American Promise," was commissioned in anticipation of America's 250th anniversary.
LeFrak's musical journey took a significant turn when producer David Foster visited her home for a photoshoot. During the visit, she shared an original piece she had composed. Foster, impressed by her ability to write melodies, encouraged her to pursue music professionally.
"He looked at me, and he said, 'Do you have any more?' And I proceeded to take out many," LeFrak recalled. "And he looked at me, and he said, 'Oh my God, you can write a melody. Nobody, nobody writes melodies anymore. They're all experimenting. You can really write a melody and I want everyone to hear them.'"
Foster enlisted his manager to help LeFrak, leading to the distribution of her music through Naxos and a social media team. Her debut album was released in 2021, and as of 2026, it has accumulated 60 million streams.
While LeFrak had previously composed music for ballet and chamber groups for friends, she never envisioned a professional music career. "It evolved. It wasn't as though when I was a child and musical I said, ‘Oh, I want to have a professional career in music.’ I didn't do that. It was really from people who asked me for pieces, even before David," she stated.
"American Promise" features three new songs: "American Promise," "Lady Liberty Suite," and "Prairie Dawn." The title track incorporates a narration of key phrases from the Declaration of Independence. LeFrak described the composition process, noting the discovery of a fanfare motif that became the foundation for the piece, enhanced by a slower section she felt conveyed gratitude for the country.
The composition for "American Promise" was recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra at Abbey Road. The New York Philharmonic performed the piece on July 3 at David Geffen Hall. LeFrak hopes the music fosters appreciation and reminds listeners of what the country has offered, emphasizing music's role as a unifier.
"Number one, music is a great unifier, and enjoying the piece, number one, being moved by it is paramount," she said. "It has nothing to do with politics, it has nothing to with likes, hates, anything, it's just appreciation. So, in addition to the freedom and liberty, I want people to appreciate and know that music is the great unifier."