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Black Performers

Nora Holt: Free-Spirited Composer of the Harlem Renaissance

Nora Holt: Free-Spirited Composer of the Harlem Renaissance

Explore the life of Nora Douglas Holt, a pioneering African-American composer, singer, and critic from the Harlem Renaissance, whose contributions to music remain largely unappreciated.

02/14/2026
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
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.

02/07/2026
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.

02/02/2026
Classical Californians: Althea Waites

Classical Californians: Althea Waites

Classical Californian pianist Althea Waites shares her favorite performances, including works by Chopin, Tchaikovsky, Beethoven, and Verdi.

03/27/2024
Open Ears: The Trailblazing Journey of Rudolph Dunbar

Open Ears: The Trailblazing Journey of Rudolph Dunbar

Explore the life of Rudolph Dunbar, the first Black man to conduct the Berlin and London Philharmonics, his fight for racial equality, and his mysterious career decline.

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 ComposersOpen EarsClassical CaliforniansWomen in ClassicalPlaylist

MORE TO DISCOVER

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
Open Ears: Eva Jessye and the Harlem Renaissance

Open Ears: Eva Jessye and the Harlem Renaissance

This article explores the life of Eva Jessye, a key figure in American music and the Harlem Renaissance, who made significant contributions to civil rights and classical music.

02/08/2026
Classical Californians: Jefferson Mays & Sam Clemmett | Tune in Wednesday at 7pm!

Classical Californians: Jefferson Mays & Sam Clemmett | Tune in Wednesday at 7pm!

Tony Award-winner Jefferson Mays (I Am My Own Wife) and Sam Clemmett (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) from Pasadena Playhouse’s Amadeus join us as this week's Classical Californians!

02/07/2026
How Does One of the Most Famous Composers of the Late 1700s Just Disappear from History?

How Does One of the Most Famous Composers of the Late 1700s Just Disappear from History?

Explore the life of Joseph Bologne, the Chevalier de Saint-Georges, a prominent 18th-century musician, fencer, and revolutionary, whose legacy was nearly lost to history.

02/01/2026
Classical Californians: Austin Wintory

Classical Californians: Austin Wintory

This week on Classical Californians, Grammy‑nominated multi‑media composer Austin Wintory.

01/28/2026
Classical Californians: Etienne Gara

Classical Californians: Etienne Gara

This week our Classical Californian is violinist Etienne Gara, founder and Artistic Director of Delirium Musicum

01/21/2026