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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 - Fela Sowande

Episodes

Composer Fela Sowande is considered the father of Nigerian art music

Composer Fela Sowande is considered the father of Nigerian art music

Composer Fela Sowande was introduced to classical and church music from an early age. While he was successful as a musician, he moved to London in 1934 to study civil engineering. Ultimately, his love of music won. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

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Bass baritone Ryan Speedo Green has beaten the odds

Bass baritone Ryan Speedo Green has beaten the odds

Bass baritone Ryan Speedo Green has experienced an all-too-familiar upbringing that is similar to many troubled Black youths in America. But with the support of an outstanding teacher, he beat the odds to become a rising star in opera. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

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George Walker is a composer of many firsts

George Walker is a composer of many firsts

George Walker is credited with many firsts throughout his career. Despite all his success, his career was greatly stunted by racism and neglect. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

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 Singer Paul Robeson risked it all for social change

Singer Paul Robeson risked it all for social change

Singer Paul Robeson had a commanding physical presence, but it was his intense bass voice that led him to popularity. His successful career as an actor, singer and Socialist activist came to an end during the Cold War. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

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Composer Adolphus Hailstork amplifies Black voices with his music
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Choral conductor Anton Armstrong shares the beauty of song

Choral conductor Anton Armstrong shares the beauty of song

St. Olaf College choral conductor Anton Armstrong has been sharing the power and beauty of singing since he was a child. His work in choral music involves breaking down racial and cultural barriers that keep us from uniting in song. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

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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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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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