Poster La Bohème
Ryan Speedo Green as Colline in Puccini's 'La Bohème.'
Marty Sohl | Metropolitan Opera
Rhapsody in Black

Bass baritone Ryan Speedo Green has beaten the odds

Rhapsody in Black - Ryan Speedo Green
DOWNLOAD

Bass baritone Ryan Speedo Green has experienced an all-too-familiar upbringing that is similar to many troubled Black youths in America. From an abusive home to solitary confinement, he beat the odds to become a rising star in opera with the support and love of an outstanding music teacher. Now, Green has performed in more than 100 productions at the Metropolitan Opera.

Musical performances by Ryan Speedo Green

Come Dal Ciel Precipita,’ from Macbeth

This performance of the 2019 Wiener Staatsoper production of Macbeth sees Green play the role of Lord Banquo, who after being betrayed by his friend Macbeth comes back as a ghost to fulfill his prophecy.

‘Le Veau d’Or,’ from Faust

In 2021, Green partnered with the Austin Opera and PBS to put on a concert of opera arias. In this exciting work, “Le Veau d’Or” is sung by Mephistopheles, who is revealing his true powers to Faust, but only after the infamous pact had been made.

‘O Tu Palermo,’ from I Vespri Siciliani

Singing the role of the Sicilian doctor Giovanni da Procida, Green blows audiences away with his powerful voice, which fully displays the emotion felt when one greets their homeland after many years in exile.

Credits

Host: Tesfa Wondemagegnehu

Producer: Dan Nass

Writers: Andrea Blain and Scott Blankenship

Executive Producer: Julie Amacher

Love the music?

Donate by phone
1-800-562-8440

Show your support by making a gift to YourClassical.

Each day, we’re here for you with thoughtful streams that set the tone for your day – not to mention the stories and programs that inspire you to new discovery and help you explore the music you love.

YourClassical is available for free, because we are listener-supported public media. Take a moment to make your gift today.

More Ways to Give

Your Donation

$5/month
$10/month
$15/month
$20/month
$

Latest Rhapsody in Black Episodes

VIEW ALL EPISODES

Latest Rhapsody in Black Episodes

William Dawson's Tuskegee Institute legacy

William Dawson's Tuskegee Institute legacy

When William Dawson was 12, he ran away from home to study music at the Tuskeegee Institute. In 1930, he returned to his roots as director of the Tuskeegee School of Music, a post he held for 25 years. Find out more in the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.

5:00
Meet Vernon Neal, the host of 'Rhapsody in Black'
Roberta Flack was the shepherd of a new R&B sound

Roberta Flack was the shepherd of a new R&B sound

Pop artist Roberta Flack, who died Monday at 88, grew up classically trained and continued to love the music, even when revolutionizing the R&B scene. Find out more about her life in this episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

5:00
Billie Holiday and 'Strange Fruit'

Billie Holiday and 'Strange Fruit'

Jazz singer Billie Holiday discovered “Strange Fruit,” Abel Meropol’s protest song against lynching In 1939. It became her closing number at all of her performances at Café Society and the best selling record of her career. Find out more in the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.

5:00
Paul Robeson brought spirituals and Black history to the main stage
5:00
Gil Scott-Heron's message for the 1970s — and today
5:00
Violist Eliesha Nelson honors the music and memory of composer George Walker
5:00
Hazel Scott 'jazzed up the classics' and stood up against segregation

Hazel Scott 'jazzed up the classics' and stood up against segregation

Pianist Hazel Scott was billed as ‘The Darling of Café Society’ due to her ability to sell out shows with her masterful improvisations. But her music was heavily intertwined with politics as she spoke up continually against segregation. Find out more in the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

5:00
Margaret Bonds and the words of Langston Hughes

Margaret Bonds and the words of Langston Hughes

Margaret Bonds dealt with racism as she broke barriers for future generations of Black women composers. Find out how the words and friendship of renowned Black novelist Langston Hughes helped her with that struggle in the latest episode of the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.

5:00
Clarinetist Anthony McGill promotes connection, equality and justice

Clarinetist Anthony McGill promotes connection, equality and justice

Anthony McGill is the principal clarinetist of the New York Philharmonic, the first Black musician to hold a principal chair in the orchestra’s 178-year history. He also has used the platform to promote racial equity in classical music. Find out more in the latest episode of the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.

5:00
VIEW ALL EPISODES

About Rhapsody in Black

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

Subscribe to the podcast:  Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon MusicTuneInRSS Feed

About Rhapsody in Black

We can help you find classical music you'll love

  • Take a 2 minute quiz to share your taste
  • We'll recommend YourClassical programming just for you
  • Discover the power and joy of classical music
YourClassical Radio
0:00
0:00