Rhapsody in Black

On the latest episode of the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast, we learn about Omar Thomas, a composer whose music is rooted in topics such as Black liberation and affirmation, including those who are also members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Listen now.

Find out how Kellen Gray curates and conducts programs that deal with African-diasporic composers, their place in music history and their relation to the classical canon on the latest episode of the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast. Listen now.

Find out how a chance meeting with the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. helped give composer and conductor Paul Freeman the resolve to make classical music more inclusive and diverse on the latest episode of the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast. Listen now.

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.

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 educator Jonathan Bailey Holland’s mission is to reshape the way music history is taught and understood, and to help every student feel like they’re part of the conversation. Find out more in the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Justin Holland is not the first name that people think of when asked about the classical guitar. It might come as a surprise that one of the best guitar virtuosos of the 19th century was a free black Oberlin College graduate. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.