Schedule
HostsWays to Give
HomeHow to Listen
Visit Help CenterContact UsWays to Give Events

Find Us on Social Media:

Logo image

Find Us on Social Media:

Download Our Mobile App:

google play icon

About

HomePlaylistSchedule
HostsOn DemandOur StoryOur Team

Community

EventsWays to Give Become a SponsorPressDiversity StatementCareersKUSC EEO ReportKDFC EEO ReportDigital Accessibility

Help

Visit Help CenterContact UsHow to Listen

©2026 Classical California

Sweepstakes RulesFCC ComplianceAnnual EEO ReportLocal Public FilesPrivacy PolicyCode of Integrity

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.

02/22/2026
Crossings: 6 Pieces By Black Composers Whose Inspirations and Innovations Have Helped Define Our American Sound

Crossings: 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.

02/17/2026
Artists Expanding the Classical Landscape

Artists Expanding the Classical Landscape

In February, enjoy this selection of remarkable composers, performers, and musical leaders as they share their favorite music with you.

02/10/2026
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.

02/08/2026
Classical Californians: Kris Bowers

Classical Californians: Kris Bowers

This week's Classical Californian is composer Kris Bowers

06/26/2024
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

Shows

Crossings image

Crossings

Classical California Resident Artist Lara Downes will bring you two hours of music from Black composers whose inspirations and innovations help define our American sound—from Scott Joplin and Florence Price to Wynton Marsalis and Jon Batiste.

RELATED TOPICS

Black PerformersOpen EarsFilm/TVClassical CaliforniansWomen in Classical

MORE TO DISCOVER

Virtuosity and Nostalgia: Teresa Carreño and Chopin

Virtuosity and Nostalgia: Teresa Carreño and Chopin

Explore the life and music of Teresa Carreño, a South American composer and pianist, and her significant influence from Frédéric Chopin.

03/13/2026
Wendy Carlos: Synth Visionary

Wendy Carlos: Synth Visionary

Explore the life of Wendy Carlos, a pioneer in electronic music, known for her work with the Moog synthesizer and her groundbreaking album, Switched-On Bach.

03/10/2026
Fanny Mendelssohn Finally Gets Her Due

Fanny Mendelssohn Finally Gets Her Due

Fanny Mendelssohn's lost masterpiece, misattributed to her brother for 150 years, is finally recognized as hers, shedding light on her overlooked musical talent.

03/08/2026
Women Who Made (Musical) History

Women Who Made (Musical) History

Celebrating Women's History Month with a look at influential women in classical music, from Hildegard Von Bingen to Dr. Lucy Jones, who broke barriers and made history.

03/07/2026
Open Ears: Get to Know the Incredible Story of Marian Anderson

Open Ears: Get to Know the Incredible Story of Marian Anderson

Explore the inspiring journey of Marian Anderson, a trailblazing African American singer who overcame racial barriers to perform at the White House and Metropolitan Opera.

03/02/2026
Open Ears: The Groundbreaking, All-Too-Brief Life of Calvin Simmons

Open Ears: The Groundbreaking, All-Too-Brief Life of Calvin Simmons

"Discover the life and legacy of Calvin Simmons, the first African American to lead a major American orchestra, whose contributions to classical music are at risk of being forgotten."

02/27/2026