Rhapsody in Black

Latest Episodes:

Black Violin mixes hip-hop and classical to create an unabashedly Black sound Aug 13, 2026

Show notes

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.

Andre 3000 is a musician who never stops exploring Aug 10, 2026

Show notes

Hip-hop artist and composer André 3000 released his latest album, ‘New Blue Sun,’ in 2023. The album centers around compositions with wind instruments and is result of his need to explore and the many influences around him, both jazz and classical. Find out more in the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Damien Geter is 'breaking down the barriers of what classical music should be' Jul 30, 2026

Show notes

Composer Damien Geter began his musical path as an educator before becoming an acclaimed vocalist. But now, his path as a composer is ‘breaking down the barriers of what classical music should be.’ Find out more in the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.

Omar Thomas composes music rooted in Black and LGBTQIA+ liberation and affirmation Jul 23, 2026

Show notes

On the latest episode of the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast, we learn about Omar Thomas, a composer whose music is rooted in topics such as Black liberation and affirmation, including those who are also members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Listen now.

Grammy-nominated cellist Seth Parker Woods pushes boundaries of classical music Jul 16, 2026

Show notes

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.

Conductor Kedrick Armstrong looks to the past and the future Jul 09, 2026

Show notes

Conductor Kedrick Armstrong uses both archives and youth education to serve the longevity of classical music by working to represent everyone in the concert hall. Find out more on the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Aaron Dworkin has cultivated a community through music Jul 02, 2026

Show notes

American violinist and music educator Aaron Dworkin saw a need to diversify classical music and made it his life’s work. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Quincy Jones was a legend across genres and decades Jun 25, 2026

Show notes

At his core, Quincy Jones was a composer and arranger whose voice was shaped by the world of classical music. His ability to weave Black musical traditions into classical frameworks opened doors for new generations of Black and Brown composers. Find out more in the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.

Grammy winner Jon Batiste recounts his life in 'American Symphony' Jun 18, 2026

Show notes

Right after Jon Batiste won the Grammy for album of the year in 2022, he spent three weeks sleeping in a hospital couch as his wife, Suleika Jaouad, received a bone marrow transplant for Lukemia. Now, the couple recounts the ups and down of their recent years through the Netflix documentary, ‘American Symphony.’ Find out more in the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Herbie Hancock is a musical innovator Jun 11, 2026

Show notes

Herbie Hancock helped rewrite post-bop language and reimagined the rhythm section as a conversational engine. But his musical imagination wouldn’t stop at jazz. He has continued composing for film and the concert hall alike. Find out more in the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.

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