Rhapsody in Black

Composer Sydney Guillaume came to the United States at 11 from Haiti. While he calls America home, his compositions pay homage to his ancestors and their fight for independence. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Guitar virtuoso Jimi Hendrix has many similarities to violin virtuoso Niccolò Paganini. Both were charismatic, had international success and both had a love for classical music. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Haitian composer and educator Jean-Paul Coffy has always seen the importance of music in early childhood development. It has been the center of his work in the community and compositions. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Composer Valerie Coleman does a little bit of everything. She is a flute virtuoso, a famous composer, a model for Black musicians worldwide and a mentor to her students. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Haitian composer and pianist Ludovic Lamothe was known by the problematic nickname ‘The Black Chopin’ during his life. Now he is receiving the recognition he deserves. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Canadian soprano Measha Brueggergosman has stood her own in the worlds of opera, jazz and gospel. While singing brilliantly across genres, she also is an activist and educator for social justice. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Composer Robert Nathaniel Dett was a collector and preserver of spirituals. He saw the music as a rich and artistic source of melody for American music. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Bassist Chi-Chi Nwanoku is more than a world-class performer. She also promotes music by composers of color in Europe through her Chineke! Foundation. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Composer Anthony Davis has been creating operas that center on the Black experience for years. With a recent thirst for Black operas, it’s easy to forget composers who have been here all along. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Singer, rapper and flutist Lizzo was introduced to music from an early age through church and marching band. Her love that the community marching band gave to her while growing up continually influences her music. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.