This month, the Charlotte Symphony is shining a spotlight on the contributions of Black composers and artists in classical music. We'll share notable performances of works by Black composers, the history of Black pioneers in classical music, and composers/artists of today that are enriching the classical music scene and inspiring countless future musicians.
Lift Every Voice on WDAV
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Join WDAV in celebrating contributions Black and African-American artists have made to classical music. Hosted by Charlotte Symphony bassoonist Joshua Hood, Lift Every Voice is a four-episode, hour-long series that will air Saturdays at 4 pm throughout the month of February. Learn More > |
Spotlight on Black Composers
Nia Imani FranklinA multi-talented musician, composer, actress, conductor, and singer, Nia Imani Franklin was born and raised in Winston-Salem, NC. Her journey in music began at a young age, taking classical voice lessons and composing her first piece at just six years old. >> Learn more |
Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-GeorgesIn 18th century France, Joseph Bologne was an unrivaled superstar. Until recently, however, Bologne's talent and achievements had faded to near-obscurity. >> Learn more |
Daniel Bernard RoumainDaniel Bernard Roumain is a Haitian-American composer, violinist, educator, & activist. His signature violin techniques fuse electronic and African American music influences, creating a distinct genre-bending sound. >> Learn more |
William Grant StillWilliam Grant Still (18951978), often called The Dean of African American Composers, was an American composer, arranger, conductor, and pioneer of early 20th-century classical music. >> Learn more |
Dr. Frederick C. TillisA trailblazer in the American classical music tradition, Dr. Frederick C. Tillis bridged jazz and European classical music as a renowned composer, jazz saxophonist, and educator. Born in Galveston, TX in 1930, Dr. Tillis began composing when he was 20 years old. >> Learn more |
Valerie ColemanA visionary composer, flutist, and entrepreneur, Valerie Coleman has made significant contributions to modern music. She was named 2020 Classical Woman of the Year (Performance Today), one of the Top 35 Woman Composers in Classical Music (Anne Midgette, Washington Post), and received a Grammy nomination. >> Learn more
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Upcoming Concerts Featuring Black Artists & Composers
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SAINT-GEORGES' SWORD & BOWFeb. 10 | 11 am | Knight Theater
Hoping to become the next great pop sensation, a young girl discovers her music teacher was the biggest star in 18th century France. In this time-bending musical adventure, Giselle learns about life's triumphs and tragedies from the most accomplished man in Europe, the Chevalier de Saint-Georges! |
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GERSHWIN'S RHAPSODY IN BLUEMarch 1 & 2 | 7:30 pm | Belk Theater
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Gershwin's jazz-infused Rhapsody in Blue with your CSO and acclaimed pianist Michelle Cann alongside the composer's energetic An American in Paris. Cann will also perform Florence Price's spirited Piano Concerto in One Movement -- a work she has championed. >> Details & Tickets |
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TCHAIKOVSKY & BRAHMSApril 5 & 6 | 7:30 pm | Belk Theater
Kwamé Ryan returns to Charlotte for the first time as the Symphony's Music Director Designate to conduct Brahms's monumental First Symphony and Tchaikovsky's charming Variations on a Rococo Theme featuring cellist Sterling Elliott. >> Details & Tickets |
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GREAT LADIES OF SWINGApril 12 & 13 | 7:30 pm | Knight TheaterSuperstar vocalist Dee Daniels will dazzle Charlotte in this program featuring hits by Swing legends Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Peggy Lee, and Sarah Vaughan. Hear her and the Charlotte Symphony perform classics like "A Tisket, A Tasket," "Fever," "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man," "Makin' Whoopee," and "Mack The Knife." >> Details & Tickets |
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HOLST'S THE PLANETSMay 17 & 18 | 7:30 pm | Belk TheaterJourney into the heavens with a program inspired by space including Holst's mesmerizing celestial showpiece, The Planets; Caroline Shaw's The Observatory; and CSO cellist Jeremy Lamb's A Ride on 'Oumuamua, inspired by the first known interstellar object to travel our solar system. >> Details & Tickets |
CSO Musicians in Performance
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Read About Black History in Classical Music
- How Black Composers Shaped the Sound of American Classical Music (Smithsonian Magazine)
- 10 Black composers who changed the course of classical music history (Classic FM)
- Black Scholars Confront White Supremacy in Classical Music (The New Yorker)
- Nine classical performances to help you celebrate Black History Month (Classical MPR)
More Ways to Celebrate Black History Month in Charlotte
- Visit the Harvey B. Gantt Center and the Levine Museum of the New South
- Attend a Black History Month program at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
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