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Black Composers

Open Ears: The Endlessly Unfolding Story of Margaret Bonds

Open Ears: The Endlessly Unfolding Story of Margaret Bonds

Explore the underappreciated life and work of Margaret Bonds, a pioneering Black composer and pianist, whose music is still being discovered 46 years after her death.

03/06/2025
Open Ears: The Resurrection of Florence B. Price

Open Ears: The Resurrection of Florence B. Price

Explore the life and legacy of Florence B. Price, the first African American woman to have a symphony performed by a major orchestra.

03/04/2025
Celebrating Black History Month

Celebrating Black History Month

Celebrating Black History in classical music all month long.

02/03/2025
Classical Californians: Kris Bowers

Classical Californians: Kris Bowers

This week's Classical Californian is composer Kris Bowers

06/26/2024
6 Pieces By Black Composers Whose Inspirations and Innovations Have Helped Define Our American Sound

6 Pieces By Black Composers Whose Inspirations and Innovations Have Helped Define Our American Sound

Explore the rich history and contributions of Black composers in American music, from pioneers like Florence Price to contemporary artists like Kris Bowers and Jon Batiste.

02/20/2024
Gay Guerilla: Julius Eastman Comes to Los Angeles

Gay Guerilla: Julius Eastman Comes to Los Angeles

This article explores the life and work of Julius Eastman, a gay Black American composer who fused jazz and classical music. It discusses his struggle with identity, his unique compositions, and his posthumous recognition.

02/12/2024
Classical Californians: Billy Childs

Classical Californians: Billy Childs

Jazz pianist/Composer Billy Childs is our Classical Californian

02/07/2024

RELATED TOPICS

Open EarsBlack PerformersCultureWomen in ClassicalClassical Californians

MORE TO DISCOVER

Chapman Challenge: The History of Handbells

Chapman Challenge: The History of Handbells

In this Chapman Challenge, Alan explains the history of handbells, their transition from bell tower practice tools to melody instruments, and how melodies are divided among ringers in a handbell choir.

12/30/2025
The Ukrainian Folk Tune Behind “Carol of the Bells”

The Ukrainian Folk Tune Behind “Carol of the Bells”

12/29/2025
Beyond the Classics: 12 More “Sleigh Rides” For the Holidays

Beyond the Classics: 12 More “Sleigh Rides” For the Holidays

Explore the history of the popular holiday song 'Sleigh Ride', from its creation by Leroy Anderson in 1946 to various renditions by artists like Mozart, Delius, and Mahler.

12/18/2025
The Lesser-Known History of “Jingle Bells”

The Lesser-Known History of “Jingle Bells”

Explore the history of the iconic Christmas song "Jingle Bells," from its creation by James Lord Pierpont in 1850 to its evolution and various renditions by famous artists over the years.

12/17/2025
Classical Californians: Irene Messoloras

Classical Californians: Irene Messoloras

Irene Messoloras is a member of the University of California, Irvine music faculty, the conductor of Meridian, and this week's Classical Californian.

12/17/2025
Chapman Challenge: The Story Behind Handel’s “Messiah”

Chapman Challenge: The Story Behind Handel’s “Messiah”

In this Chapman Challenge, Alan discusses Handel's journey with oratorios, from his first encounter in Italy to his profitable English oratorios, culminating in the creation of Messiah.

12/15/2025