Rhapsody in Black

Hip-hop artist and composer André 3000 released his latest album, ‘New Blue Sun,’ in 2023. The album revolves around compositions with wind instruments and is a result of his need to explore the many influences around him, both jazz and classical. Find out more in the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

At 19, Sheku Kanneh-Mason became the first Black musician to win BBC Young Musician of the Year. He continues to focus on what is most important to him: the music, the cello and music education. Find out more in the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Composer Errollyn Wallen has had teachers tell her that classical music is ‘not her sort of music’ and has had to deal with being underestimated her whole life. Now she is one of the United Kingdom’s leading composers. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Composer Ahmed Alabaca understands what it’s like to find yourself in a dark place. Music has helped them find the light, and they have dedicated their life to helping others get there, too. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Composer Damien Geter began his musical path as an educator before becoming an acclaimed vocalist. But now, his path as a composer is ‘breaking down the barriers of what classical music should be.’ Find out more in the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Duke Ellington once said, “All arrangements of historic American Negro music have been made by conservatory-trained musicians who inevitably handle it with a European technique. It’s time a big piece of music was written from the inside.” That piece of music was ‘Black, Brown and Beige.’ Find out more in the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Right after Jon Batiste won the Grammy for album of the year in 2022, he spent three weeks sleeping on a hospital couch as his wife, Suleika Jaouad, received a bone marrow transplant for leukemia. Now, the couple recounts the ups and downs of their recent years through the Netflix documentary ‘American Symphony.’ Find out more in the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Undine Smith Moore knew the importance of music education from an early age. But despite her success, she still doubted her abilities and accomplishments as a composer, citing racism. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Composer and pianist Julius Eastman’s personal philosophy was ‘to be what I am to the fullest.’ A graduate of the Curtis Institute, his music was highly acclaimed and challenged racist and homophobic stereotypes. Find out more in the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Pianist, composer and innovator Duke Ellington is famous today for his jazz and swing music. However, he had a few other visions kicking around in his tool box, including some memorable suites such as ‘The Queen’s Suite.’ Find out more in the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.