Rhapsody in Black

Latest Episodes:

Mary Lou Williams is perfect for concert halls and jazz clubs Oct 22, 2026

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Mary Lou Williams’ artistic vision and her ability to blend diverse musical influences into a cohesive and unique composition are perfect for concert halls and jazz clubs. Find out more on the latest episode of the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.

Stevie Wonder, the influential artist who transformed R&B and funk music Oct 15, 2026

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Explore the legendary career of Stevie Wonder, the influential artist who transformed R&B and funk music. From his soulful voice to his groundbreaking compositions, learn about his classical music roots, record-breaking hits and his magnum opus. Find out more on the latest episode of the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.

Pamela Z expands the boundaries of classical music Oct 08, 2026

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Pamela Z is a visionary artist who embraces new ideas about identity and technology in her music. Find out more in the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.

Julius Eastman composed music that challenged oppressive stereotypes Oct 01, 2026

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Composer and pianist Julius Eastman’s personal philosophy was, “To be what I am to the fullest.” A graduate of the Curtis Institute, his music was highly acclaimed and challenged racist and homophobic stereotypes. Find out more in the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.

Clarinetist Anthony McGill promotes connection, equality and justice Sep 24, 2026

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Clarinetist Anthony McGill is the principal clarinetist with the New York Philharmonic, the first Black musician to hold a principal chair in the orchestra’s 178 year history. During his time there, he has wowed audiences and impressed critics with his technique and silky tone, but he has also used the platform to promote social justice issues, specifically racial equity in classical music. Find out more in the latest episode of the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.

Violinist Randall Goosby enjoys meteoric rise but remains grounded Sep 17, 2026

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Randall Goosby has been playing violin since he was 7, including studying with legendary violinist Itzhak Perlman, and the trajectory of his career shows no signs of slowing down. Find out more in the latest episode of the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.

Violinist George Bridgetower left his mark on Beethoven Sep 10, 2026

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Violinist and composer George Bridgetower was good friends with Ludwig Van Beethoven. So much so that Beethoven wrote a violin sonata just for him. Find out more in the latest episode of the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.

Afro-Brazilian guitarist Plinio Fernandes uses unique style to inspire and teach new generations Sep 03, 2026

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Afro-Brazilian guitarist Plínio Fernandes’ style is a unique alchemy of the Brazilian folk and popular songs he grew up with, Latin classical traditions, and the Western canon. Now located in London, Fernandes’ recently released his debut album, ‘Saudade,’ and is working to teach and inspire new generations of musicians. Find out more in the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.

Duke Ellington's 'Black, Brown and Beige' fuses jazz with classical orchestration Aug 27, 2026

Show notes

Duke Ellington once said, “All arrangements of historic American Negro music have been made by conservatory-trained musicians who inevitably handle it with a European technique. It’s time a big piece of music was written from the inside.” That piece of music premiered in 1943 in Carnegie Hall, and it was titled ‘Black, Brown, and Beige.’ Find out more in the ‘Rhapsody in Black‘ podcast.

Cassie Kinoshi creates vibrant musical landscapes Aug 20, 2026

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Cassie Kinoshi has taken on the role of musical mad scientist by mixing together Black American jazz, West African and Caribbean rhythms, and Western classical music in a process of compositional nuclear fusion. Find out more in the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

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