Poster Measha Brueggergosman
Measha Brueggergosman is an award-winning Canadian soprano.
Courtesy of artist
Rhapsody in Black

Soprano Measha Brueggergosman is an activist and educator for social justice

Rhapsody in Black - Measha Brueggergosman
DOWNLOAD

Canadian soprano Measha Brueggergosman has stood her own in the worlds of opera, jazz and gospel. Born in New Brunswick, she sang in the choir at the Baptist church where her father was a deacon. This explains how singing across genres comes naturally to this opera sensation. After undergoing heart surgery in 2009, she’s been working to raise awareness of heart disease in women. She also finds time for activism, education and social justice.

Musical selections from Measha Brueggergosman

You'll Never Walk Alone

From Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel, “You'll Never Walk Alone” sends a never-ending message of companionship and unity. The songs ability to bring people together is why Brueggergosman performed it for the CBC’s music program Stronger Together, raising funds for Canadian food shelves.

Ernest Chausson: Le Temps Des Lilas

From her opera album Night and Dreams, her performance of “Le Temps Des Lilas” emotionally captures the essence of Chausson. From the nostalgic feeling for all that slips away from us as time goes by, to the yearning to reconcile one’s entire life with their inner existence, Brueggergosman’s singing embodies it.

Sea to Sea

In celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday, the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra commissioned Canadian composer Howard Shore to create a work for the momentous occasion. With lyrics by Elizabeth Cotnoir, “Sea to Sea” featured a 120-voice choir, the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra and Brueggergosman.

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

Violist Eliesha Nelson honors the music and memory of composer George Walker
5:00
Meet Vernon Neal, the host of 'Rhapsody in Black'
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
Carlos Simon's 'Good News Mass'

Carlos Simon's 'Good News Mass'

Carlos Simon is a Grammy-nominated composer and an activist for Black and brown representation in classical music. His latest work, ‘Good News Mass,’ is unlike anything he’s done before. Find out more in the latest episode of the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.

5:00
Violinist Randall Goosby enjoys meteoric rise but remains grounded
5:00
Flutist, composer and producer Allison Loggins-Hull 'defies classification'
5:00
RZA’s 'Ballet Through the Mud'

RZA’s 'Ballet Through the Mud'

Robert Fitzgerald Diggs, better known in the hip-hop world as RZA, is a founding member of the hip-hop collective Wu Tang Clan. Nowadays, he’s taking things a step further by writing a ballet. Find out more on the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.

5:00
The voice of Whitney Houston

The voice of Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston’s musical legacy was recently celebrated in a concert tribute at the Kennedy Center. Her powerful voice soared through heart-rending pop ballads, and she could hold her own in an operatic aria, too. Find out more on 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