Rhapsody in Black

Grammy-nominated cellist Seth Parker Woods pushes boundaries of classical music Oct 31, 2024

Seth Parker Woods is a cellist who wholeheartedly embraces new compositions, artistic innovation and pushes the boundaries of classical music. Find out more in the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Stevie Wonder, the influential artist who transformed R&B and funk music Oct 24, 2024

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.

Mary Lou Williams is perfect for concert halls and jazz clubs Oct 17, 2024

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.

Alice Coltrane uses music to heal and find peace Oct 10, 2024

Jazz pianist and harpist Alice Coltrane studied classical and gospel early on. Jazz, on the other hand, helped her develop her own creativity, improvisation and expression. Find out more on the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Errollyn Wallen's compositions are out of this world Oct 03, 2024

Composer Errollyn Wallen has had teachers tell her that classical music is ‘not her sort of music’ and has had to deal with being underestimated her whole life. Now she is one of the United Kingdom’s leading composers. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Pianist Michelle Cann inspires next generation as a noted music teacher Sep 26, 2024

Michelle Cann is a trailblazing African American concert pianist and teacher who is inspiring the next generation of musicians at the Manhattan School of Music and the Curtis Institute. Find out more in the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Violinist George Bridgetower left his mark on Beethoven Sep 19, 2024

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.

Composer Jessie Montgomery uses music to connect with the world Sep 12, 2024

On the latest episode of the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast, we learn about Jessie Montgomery, a composer, violinist and educator whose music helps her connect with the world. Listen now.

Pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason grew up in a family surrounded by music Sep 05, 2024

Raised in a family surrounded by music, pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason has worked hard to become a successful concert and recording artist. She had help along the way, primarily from her parents, who made sacrifices to ensure that she and her six younger siblings have all had wonderful music educations. Find out more in the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Legendary rocker Jimi Hendrix loved classical music Aug 29, 2024

Jimi Hendrix, who set London’s club scene ablaze and literally set his guitar ablaze while performing at Woodstock, also had a burning desire to study classical music. Find out more in the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Imani Winds have faith in music as their core value Aug 22, 2024

The Imani Winds has had faith in commissioning new works that uplift the profile of BIPOC composers and performers. They have been doing so for over a quarter century. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Chi-Chi Nwanoku champions diverse music in Europe Aug 15, 2024

Chi-Chi Nwanoku, founder of the Chineke! Foundation and Orchestra, is a champion of Black, Asian and ethnically diverse musicians in Europe. Find out more in the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Awadagin Pratt is opening doors for young Black classical artists Aug 08, 2024

Awadagin Pratt is a professor of piano at the University of Cincinnati and the recipient of multiple awards. He’s never shied away from talking about his experiences as a Black man in classical music, and he’s working to make it a more welcoming space. Find out more in the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Conductor Anthony Parnther pushes classical music to new thresholds Aug 01, 2024

Conductor Anthony Parnther knows how uncomfortable it can be to walk into a room and not see anybody who looks like you. That’s why his career has focused on advocating for Black composers and changing the perception of what classical music should be. Find out more in the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Composer Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson led an unusual and important career Jul 25, 2024

Composer Colridge-Taylor Perkinson combined classical, jazz and popular music to build a varied career that advocated for the Black community, especially its performing artists. Find out more in the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Composer Shirley Thompson's music reflects the issues of today Jul 18, 2024

Named one of the most influential Black people in the United Kingdom, composer Shirley Thompson writes music that inspires and fights against Eurocentrism in classical music. Find out more in the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Cassie Kinoshi creates vibrant musical landscapes Jul 11, 2024

Composer, performer and arranger 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.

Sly5thAve brings together classical, hip-hop, jazz and more in his innovative arrangements Jul 04, 2024

Tenor Henry Thacker Burleigh was a gifted tenor who dedicated himself to the Black spiritual tradition. He worked closely with composer Antonín Dvořák, and their friendship helped Dvořák unearth the heart and soul of American music. Find out more in the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Sly5thAve is a multifaceted musician from the greater Austin area. His arrangements fuse his education in jazz saxophone, his classical arranging skills, his Nigerian roots and more to create a whole new musical experience. Find out more in the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Henry Thacker Burleigh helped unearth the heart and soul of American music Jun 27, 2024

Tenor Henry Thacker Burleigh was a gifted tenor who dedicated himself to the Black spiritual tradition. He worked closely with composer Antonín Dvořák, and their friendship helped Dvořák unearth the heart and soul of American music. Find out more in the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Scott Joplin brought American music into the 20th century Jun 13, 2024

Scott Joplin, considered the ‘King of Ragtime Writers,’ opened the door for many other Black musicians and artists making their way in a racially segregated nation at the turn of the century. Find out more in the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Melanie DeMore uses her voice as a 'weapon of mass connection' Jun 06, 2024

Community leader and musician Melanie DeMore uses the power of her voice to bring people together and create meaningful connections in her community and beyond. Find out more in the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Miles Davis reinvented the jazz scene May 30, 2024

Jazz trumpeter Miles Davis redefined the genre in subtle and caustic ways. While he had great success he was always restless for innovation. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Clarinetist Anthony McGill promotes connection, equality and justice May 23, 2024

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.

Wynton Marsalis has jazz and classical chops May 16, 2024

Trumpeter Wynton Marsalis is internationally known for his outstanding career in jazz. Many don’t know that he has also found success in classical music. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Billie Holiday's 'Strange Fruit' speaks to us about racial violence May 09, 2024

Billie Holiday's 'Strange Fruit' is an unforgettable and mesmerizing classic that speaks to racial violence and anti-lynching legislation. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Roberta Flack is the shepherd of a new R&B sound May 02, 2024

Pop artist Roberta Flack grew up classically trained and continued to love the music even when revolutionizing the R&B scene. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Composer Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson was an advocate for the Black Community Apr 25, 2024

Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson was a skilled pianist and conductor who composed and performed in the classical, television, theater, jazz and film industries, while also advocating for the Black community in the performing arts. Find out more in the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Organist Alcee Chriss III is breaking down barriers in classical music Apr 18, 2024

Organist Alcee Chriss III breaks down barriers and attracts new audiences to organ music through his incorporation of jazz and gospel. Find out more in the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Black Violin mixes hip-hop and classical to create an unabashedly Black sound Apr 04, 2024

The award-winning strings duo Black Violin has been mixing classical and hip hop for over twenty years. The group’s goal is to make the violin and viola sound naturally and unabashedly Black. Find out more in the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Woman-powered trio String Queens making a difference in the world Mar 28, 2024

The String Queens are a woman-powered string trio based out of Washington D.C. who have made a difference in their community and in the classical music arena through their non-traditional programming and performances. Find out more in the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected