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 Thursdays at 7 pm and Sundays at 5 pm throughout the month of February. Learn More > |
Spotlight on Black Composers
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 |
Florence PriceA composer, pianist, organist, and music teacher, Florence Price is recognized as the first African-American woman to have a symphonic work performed by a major national symphony orchestra. >> Learn more
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Upcoming Concerts Featuring Black Artists & Composers
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SIBELIUS SYMPHONY NO. 5Feb. 3 & 4 | 7:30 pm | Knight Theater
"Remarkable" (The Nashville Scene) guest conductor Vinay Parameswaran takes the baton to lead Sibelius's evocative Symphony No. 5. Plus, William Grant Still's Poem for Orchestra. >> Details & Tickets |
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CSO IN CONCERT WITH JCSUMarch 21 | Johnson C. Smith University
The Charlotte Symphony and Johnson C. Smith University join forces to present an uplifting program including Saint-Georges's Symphony No. 2, Daniel Bernard Roumain's La La La La, and James Weldon Johnson's Lift Every Voice and Sing featuring the JCSU Choir. >> Details & Tickets |
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DVOŘÁK SYMPHONY NO. 8May 19 & 20 | 7:30 pm | Knight Theater
A departure from his previous work, Dvořák's cheerful Symphony No. 8 evokes wonderment. Led by "attentive" (The Florida Times-Union) guest conductor Kazem Abdullah, this program also includes works by Mozart and Stravinsky. >> 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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