The pianist, who died last week, was an inspiration to a generation of Black and brown musicians who followed in his pioneering footsteps. 


Remembering André Watts, the American pianist who opened doors of possibility 

The five-time Grammy winner has mounted two operas at the Metropolitan Opera, which until 2021 had never staged a work by a Black composer. Hear him discuss the future of opera with Lara Downes. 


Jazz trumpeter Terence Blanchard's unexpected path into the opera house 

The king of ragtime published his hit tune 120 years ago. Pianist Lara Downes believes the piece helped shape the future of American music.


Reconsidering Scott Joplin's 'The Entertainer'

The groundbreaking choreographer, who is also the first Black director at the Metropolitan Opera, says she found self-expression through dance. 


Identity and Dance: Camille A. Brown talks with Lara Downes

The creative couple, who married in 2020, thrive on gratitude, community and the new approaches they've taken in the wake of the pandemic. 


Pandemic Lessons: Elaine Welteroth and Jonathan Singletary talk with Lara Downes

The rising young baritone Will Liverman, searching for diversity in the opera house, tries on his composer hat by putting a Black spin on Rossini's The Barber of Seville. Lara Downes talks with him on ‘Amplify.’


We should tell stories of Black joy: Will Liverman talks with Lara Downes

The rising young violinist discovers his musical roots and questions the traditional borderlines of the repertoire. 


Shaking up the classical canon: Randall Goosby talks with Lara Downes

The musical polymath offers ideas on everything from Russian satellites and hip-hop, to Bach and football, and how they shape the musical education of America. 


You have to fight for the vision: Wynton Marsalis talks with Lara Downes

The best-selling novelist shares tips for good writing and the stories behind some of the most meaningful music in her life, from Rossini to the O'Jays.


The alchemy of words and music: Tayari Jones talks with Lara Downes

The poet and playwright Carl Hancock Rux wrestles with the idea of being an activist in America today in its various forms, meanings and misunderstandings. 


Lara Downes

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