Dear Friend,

Throughout this Black History Month, we look forward to telling the stories of Black artists from the past and present, and showcasing their contributions and impact to the world of classical music. Today, we enjoy masterpieces by composers such as Joseph Bologne, Florence Price, William Grant Still, and more. We are hopeful that the future holds space for more composers and masterpieces to come into the limelight as the classical music canons continue to shift and we uncover what history and prejudice have hidden away. Through the various blogs linked below and upcoming on-air features, we are excited to share a small glimpse into the exceptional stories and artistry of Black musicians.

Jim Allison
Program Director

A Conversation with Denyce Graves

DC native Denyce Graves remains a constant figure in any discussion of great singers of our era. Ahead of her feature on the locally produced television program WETA Arts, Ms. Graves speaks with Linda Carducci about her career, the important work of her foundation which strives to bridge the inequality gap in classical music, and more.

Changing the Canon on Music by
Black Composers

"The omission of the composition of Black composers from our curricula and concert halls silences a rich vein of musical creation from global cultural consciousness. The effects of this erasure are most serious for aspiring Black classical musicians."

In this guest blog from critically-acclaimed violionist Rachel Barton Pine, she speaks about her foundation's initiative, Music By Black Composers, which aims to change the story of music by Black composers for children, performers, and music lovers alike.

Hear Rachel Barton Pine's
Violin Concertos By Black Composers Throughout the Centuries

on WETA Classical

2023 celebrated the 25th anniversary of Rachel Barton Pine's recording of violin concertos by Black composers of the 18th and 19th centuries. The special occasion was commemorated with a special-edition reissue which updated and expanded the original program into the 20th century.

"When I released this record, I was just thinking, this is gorgeous violin music that should have been part of our canon all along."
-Rachel Barton Pine

Join us throughout the day on February 6 to enjoy selections from her album Violin Concertos By Black Composers Throughout the Centuries.

Art Songs and Spirituals

Bass-baritone Joseph Parrish embodies the future of opera and vocal arts. In his upcoming recital at the Kennedy Center Terrace Theater, he presents a program of lieder and spirituals. He speaks about his unique journey, the similarities between lieder and spirituals, and offers words of inspiration to aspiring musicians.

From the Church House to

the Opera House

Much like lieder and spirituals aren't as far removed as one might think, opera and gospel share many similarities if we look beyond the labels. In this instance, musician, writer, and music critic Patrick D. McCoy writes a guest blog for us, reflecting on the foundational role of the church for leading Black artists and opera singers from the past and present.

Fire Shut Up In My Bones

It wasn't until 2021 in the Metropolitan Opera's 138 year old history that an opera by a Black composer was performed. The historic work was Fire Shut Up In My Bones by Terrence Blanchard. This spring, Washington DC will witness this pivotal work as an opera suite in concert, a collaboration between Blanchard and the E-Collective, David Balakrishnan and his two-time Grammy-winning Turtle Island Quartet, and visual artist Andrew F. Scott. Evan Keely speaks with David Balakrishnan about the creative process and collaboration with Blanchard.