This list is a work in progress! If you know of other podcasts or radio programs we should add, please let us know at
editor@musicbyblackcomposers.org
Programs about Black composers:
Series:
- Melanated Moments in Classical Music:
Beginner-accessible podcast that shines a spotlight on musical works composed by, for, and about Black people. Hosted by opera soprano Angela Brown and music sociologist Joshua Thompson. In addition to discussions of composers, the podcast also features diverse topics concerning Black musicians, scholars, activists, etc. Composers featured in seasons:
- Season Seven: Nkeiru Okoye, William Levi Dawson, Oswald Russell, Nathaniel Dett
- Season Six: Scott Joplin (and his opera Treemonisha), Joseph Bologne, Amanda Ira Aldridge
- Season Five: Jessie Montgomery, Tania Leon, George Bridgetower
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Season Four: Francis Johnson, Julia Perry, James Lee III, Mikhail Johnson
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Season Three: Rosephanye Powell, Harry T. Burleigh, Margaret Bonds, David Baker, Samuel Coleridge Taylor, Undine Smith Moore, Florence Price
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Season Two: Anthony Davis, Ignatius Sancho, Moses Hogan, Robert Nathaniel Dett
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Season One: William Grant Still, Evelyn Simpson Curenton, Thomas Wiggins, William Banfield
Individual episodes:
Programs about race and diversity in the classical music sphere:
Series:
- Classically Black:
Dalanie and Katie talk all things classical music and being Black in the profession.
- Classical Musicians in Color:
Podcast and blog dedicated to all things classical by or about Black classical musicians.
- Every Voice with Terrance McKnight:
There are many different kinds of classical music, depending on where you are in the world. While this music typically preserves the traditions of a given society, classical music in America remains wedded to its Western European roots. On this show, we want to know why — and what America’s classical music really sounds like. Through interviews, historical investigation, and personal storytelling, Terrance McKnight unearths the hidden voices that have been shaping our musical traditions all along.
- Trilloquy:
Hosts Garrett McQueen and Scott Blankenship bring you true and real stories “from the fringes of classical music” every week. They interview guests—many African American—with diverse perspectives on the world of classical music.
Individual episodes:
Programs about general classical music topics with Black hosts:
Series:
- Decomposed:
In-depth discussion of well-known composers, breaking down stories that have shaped classical music, from secrets and scandals to acts of sheer genius. Hear these stories accompanied by the symphonies, operas and other masterpieces they inspired. Hosted by African-American classical pianist Jade Simmons.
- Across the Arts:
Podcast with African-American music critic Patrick D. McCoy, who is committed to informing the community at large about “the joys of classical music.” In addition to discussions with and about musicians of various backgrounds, numerous episodes feature interviews with diverse Black musicians.
- The Score:
“An Urban Music Education Podcast hosted by Eric and Justin. They provide tips and strategies through honest discussions about their experience teaching music in an Urban setting. The goal is to provide a positive and solution-based narrative to create more effective, compassionate and culturally relevant music educators.”
- The Theory Club:
“The Theory Club is a podcast centered around topics in music theory, musicology, performance, analysis, and research, from the perspective of two students. The Theory Club is hosted by your fellow theory nerds, Lydia Bangura & Emily Zwijack.
Current radio programs only available to hear/stream live:
- Gateways Radio: The Gateways Music Festival Orchestra is a 125+ member ensemble of musicians of African descent under the leadership of conductor Anthony Parnther. Gateways Radio features exceptional compositions and exquisite performances, celebrating the Gateways Music Festival’s mission of connecting and supporting classical musicians of African descent and serving as a source of inspiration, enlightenment, and engagement for communities—especially communities underrepresented in classical music.
- Unmute The Voices: Unmute The Voices celebrates BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) artistry in classical music by highlighting compositions and performances by BIPOC artists. Unmute The Voices exists to accelerate the development of equity in classical music by increasing the visibility of the BIPOC community in classical music and to encourage their inclusion in the art form. The program includes classical music composed by people from BIPOC communities, performances by artists of color, and interviews with artists. Unmute The Voices is a radio show and video series hosted by Dr. Quinton Morris.
- Listen at king.org 3pm Pacific on the third Saturday of every month (FM 98.1 Classical KING in Seattle)