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Rhapsody in Black

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

Rhapsody in Black - Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de St. George

Episodes

Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de St. George, is not 'the Black Mozart'

Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de St. George, is not 'the Black Mozart'

Guadeloupean Creole composer Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de St. George, was born to a slave woman and rose to join French aristocratic circles as a musician. While sometimes called “the Black Mozart,” find out why he’s far too interesting and multifaceted to be seen as anything but his own in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

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William Grant Still, the dean of African American composers

William Grant Still, the dean of African American composers

Composer William Grant Still is the record holder for many firsts in the Black classical world. His ‘Afro-American Symphony’ was the first to be performed by a major orchestra. Find out more about his achievements in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

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Composer Omar Thomas speaks to the importance of representation

Composer Omar Thomas speaks to the importance of representation

Composer Omar Thomas remembers never playing music in concert band that celebrates Black traditions while he was growing up, but he has made it his mission to change that. Find out more about his socially conscious compositions in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

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Composer Nkeiru Okoye has a sound all her own

Composer Nkeiru Okoye has a sound all her own

Composer Nkeiru Okoye doesn’t fit neatly into any kind of classical category. Her compositions showcase her genius by incorporating different types of musical styles that help create a sound that’s uniquely hers. Find out more about Okoye’s diverse compositions in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

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Julius Eastman's brilliant, beautiful and challenging life

Julius Eastman's brilliant, beautiful and challenging life

Composer Julius Eastman’s personal philosophy was “to be what I am to the fullest. Black to the fullest, a musician to the fullest, and a homosexual to the fullest.” Find out more about his brilliant, beautiful and challenging life in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

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Henry T. Burleigh and his new American sound

Henry T. Burleigh and his new American sound

Baritone Henry T. Burleigh, who worked with Antonin Dvorak, is a forgotten figure in American music history. Find out how they helped create a new identity for American sound in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

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Singer Marian Anderson triumphed over obstacles

Singer Marian Anderson triumphed over obstacles

Contralto Marian Anderson sang her way to the top. Despite racism and sexism, she found support from first lady Eleanor Roosevelt and sang at the Lincoln Memorial. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

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Coming soon: Tesfa Wondemagegnehu hosts 'Rhapsody in Black'
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About Rhapsody in Black

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

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