Rhapsody in Black

Where we turn up the voices of Black artists in the world of classical music, with host Vernon Neal.

Pamela Z expands the boundaries of classical music

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.

11-07
05:00

Grammy-nominated cellist Seth Parker Woods pushes boundaries of classical music

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.

10-31
05:00

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

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.

10-24
05:00

Mary Lou Williams is perfect for concert halls and jazz clubs

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.

10-17
05:00

Alice Coltrane uses music to heal and find peace

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.

10-10
05:00

Errollyn Wallen's compositions are out of this world

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.

10-03
05:00

Pianist Michelle Cann inspires next generation as a noted music teacher

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.

09-26
05:00

Violinist George Bridgetower left his mark on Beethoven

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.

09-19
05:00

Composer Jessie Montgomery uses music to connect with the world

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.

09-12
05:00

Pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason grew up in a family surrounded by music

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.

09-05
05:00

Legendary rocker Jimi Hendrix loved classical music

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.

08-29
05:00

Imani Winds have faith in music as their core value

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.

08-22
05:00

Chi-Chi Nwanoku champions diverse music in Europe

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.

08-15
05:00

Awadagin Pratt is opening doors for young Black classical artists

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.

08-08
05:00

Conductor Anthony Parnther pushes classical music to new thresholds

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.

08-01
05:00

Composer Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson led an unusual and important career

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.

07-25
05:00

Composer Shirley Thompson's music reflects the issues of today

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.

07-18
05:00

Cassie Kinoshi creates vibrant musical landscapes

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.

07-11
05:00

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

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.

07-04
05:00

Henry Thacker Burleigh helped unearth the heart and soul of American music

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.

06-27
05:00

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