Where we turn up the voices of Black artists in the world of classical music, with host Vernon Neal.
Robert Fitzgerald Diggs, better known in the hip-hop world as RZA, is a founding member of the hip-hop collective Wu Tang Clan. Nowadays, he’s taking things a step further by writing a ballet. Find out more on the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.
Cassie Kinoshi has taken on the role of musical mad scientist by mixing together Black American jazz, West African and Caribbean rhythms, and Western classical music in a process of compositional nuclear fusion. Find out more in the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.
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.
The String Queens are a woman-powered string trio based out of Washington, D.C., who have made a difference in their community and in the classical music arena through their nontraditional programming and performances. Find out more in the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.
Pamela Z is a visionary artist who embraces new ideas about identity and technology in her music. Find out more in the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.
In 2021, Terence Blanchard became the first Black composer to have an opera staged at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Whether it’s performing or composing jazz, film music and opera, he does it exceptionally well. Find out more in the latest episode of the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.
Seth Parker Woods is a cellist who wholeheartedly embraces new compositions, fosters artistic innovation and pushes the boundaries of classical music. Find out more in 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.
Paul Robeson was a star of stage and screen, but his passion was sharing spirituals. His goal was to elevate them to the same level as other musical forms. Find out more in the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.
The award-winning string duo Black Violin has been mixing classical and hip-hop for over 20 years. The group’s goal is to make the violin and viola sound naturally and unabashedly Black. Find out more in the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.
Where we turn up the voices of Black artists in the world of classical music, with host Vernon Neal.
Subscribe to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | TuneIn | RSS Feed
