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Learning to Listen: William Grant Still

The month of February is Black History Month, and  we've been marking that in various ways with our classical music programming. This week on Learning to Listen, we are looking at the life and music of one of the most important African-American composers of classical music, William Grant Still.

Often referred to as "the Dean of African-American Composers," William Grant Still wrote symphonies, opera, chamber music, film scores and ballet. On this week's show, we'll be listening to examples of his works.


3rd movement from Symphony No 1: Animato


Louise Toppin as Mary; Robert Honeysucker as Bob  

A chat with Celeste Headlee, granddaughter of William Grant Still

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William Grant Still

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Alison Young

Longtime music host and performer Andrea Blain presents classical music programming including national specials, opera and other live broadcasts and holiday programs. She also is part of a team that works on content and scripting for ‘Rhapsody in Black’ and has voiced several episodes of YourClassical Storytime.


Nate Ryan

Andrea Blain

Often referred to as 'the Dean of African-American Composers,' William Grant Still wrote symphonies, opera, chamber music, film scores and ballet. On this week's Learning to Listen, we'll be listening to examples of William Grant Still's works.


Portrait of composer William Grant Still, 1936

Learning to Listen: William Grant Still

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