Melanated Moments in Classical Music

Classical Music Indy
  • 5.0 (22)
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Melanated Moments in Classical Music is a podcast produced by Classical Music Indy that shines a spotlight on musical works composed by, for, and about people of color. Melanated Moments is hosted by international opera soprano Angela Brown and music sociologist Joshua Thompson. For some listeners, Melanated Moments will uncover a hidden trove of classical music they never knew existed. For those with a deep knowledge of the genre, stories reflecting the cultural context of the African Diaspora will give a fresh voice to black contributions in the world of classical music.

  1. 11/15/2023

    Recap Pt. 2: Melanated Moments in Classical Music

    Featuring some of the world's most talented and innovative Black composers and musicians from seasons 4 through 7, Melanated Moments in Classical Music wraps up its comprehensive recap.  Joshua and Angela discuss the themes and trends that emerged in these seasons and reflect on Melanated Moments'  impact on the classical music world.  Both retrospective episodes encourage reflection on the progress that has been made in promoting diversity and inclusion in classical music while acknowledging challenges and barriers that remain.   What a journey it has been...as always, we thank you for your support all along the way! Support the show

    58 min

  2. 11/08/2023

    Recap Pt. 1: Melanated Moments in Classical Music

    Join us for a recap of the first three seasons of the Melanated Moments in Classical Music podcast, featuring some of the world's most influential Black composers and musicians.  From William Grant Still to Rosephanye Powell , these artists have made significant contributions to the world of classical music, and their work continues to inspire and amaze.  Whether you're a longtime fan of the podcast or you're just getting started, we invite you to listen in on this retrospective celebration of the diverse and vibrant world of classical music. Support the show

    40 min

  3. 11/01/2023

    The Ordering of Moses: An African-American Masterwork

    Joshua and Angela examine the remarkable oratorio The Ordering of Moses by African-American composer Robert Nathaniel Dett. This powerful and moving work tells the biblical story of Moses leading the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and is considered one of the most important works of African-American classical music. Scored for chorus, orchestra, and soloists, Dett's oratorio features a variety of musical styles, including spirituals, folk music, and classical forms. It is a powerful work that explores themes of freedom, oppression, and hope while serving as an allegory of the Black experience of the 18th-19th centuries. Featured Music: The Ordering of Moses, No.1: "Introduction"  May Festival Chorus Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra James Conlon, conductorThe Ordering of Moses, No.3: "Oh Lord, Behold My Affliction" The Ordering of Moses, No.9: "And When Moses Smote the Water" The Ordering of Moses, No.15: "He is King of Kings" Support the show

    36 min

  4. 10/25/2023

    Joshua Thompson: A Force for Change in Classical Music

    Pianist, music sociologist, and occasional trumpeter, Joshua Thompson, is an active change agent in the classical music world. Learn more about our host’s passionate advocacy for diversity and inclusion, his work to promote social justice through music, and his unique perspective on the role of music in society.  Listen in as Angela teases out how Joshua got to where he is today and where he might be going next. Featured Music: "Summerland" - William Grant Still     Joshua Thompson, piano"Just A Lil' Bit" - Kim Kenny, songwriter/vocals Richard Sleepy Floyd, drums Jared Thompson, saxophone Amanda Gardnier, flute Joshua Thompson, trumpet Will Rob, bass/keyboard"Troubled Water" - Margaret Bonds       Joshua Thompson, piano Support the show

    41 min

  5. 10/18/2023

    Oswald Russell: Jamaica's Artistic Ambassador

    The international impact of pianist/composer, Oswald Russell, wows Joshua and Angela as they discuss his beginnings in Jamaica and a globe-trotting classical music career that followed.   Oswald serves as an example of the highest level of musicality, life-long learning, and global citizenship. Featured Music: "Papillons" - Oswald Russell Joseph Talleda, pianoThree Jamaican Dances: No. 1 & 2 - Oswald Russell William Chapman Nyaho, piano"Thème Du Générique" - Les Vieilles Lunes - Oswald Russell Daniele Patucchi, arranger Support the show

    23 min

  6. 10/11/2023

    Karen Slack: The Melanated Maven of Opera

    Angela and Joshua welcome opera superstar, arts administrator, and 2022 Sphinx Medal of Excellence winner, Karen Slack, to the Melanated Moments in Classical Music family.  Bringing her dynamic, down to earth vibe and perspective, Slack details her beginnings in music and an illustrious career that keeps her in demand with leading artists and stages the world over. Equally devoted to music education and meaningful community engagement, Karen Slack reminds us of the personal power found in showing up and being your truest self both on and off stage. Featured Music: "Pace, Pace Mio Dio" - from La Forza Del Destino - Verdi Karen Slack, soprano MDR Symphony, California Frank Fetta, conductor“Tu che di gel" - Turendot - Giacomo Puccini Karen Slack, soprano Mark Morash, pianistYou Can Tell The World - Five Creek-Freedman Spirituals - Margaret Bonds Karen Slack, Soprano Miro QuartetSupport the show

    43 min

  7. 10/04/2023

    Dawson’s Negro Folk Symphony: A Symphony of Our Ancestors' Spirit

    Joshua and Angela discuss the foresight and impact of composer, musicologist, arranger, and premier torchbearer of Negro spirituals, William Levi Dawson.  A protege of Booker T. Washington, the life and works of Dawson score an accurate narrative of Black people during the Great Migration. His symphony illustrates the cultural links that were lost and then found as a result of the colonial world’s Global Slave Trade.  Revered internationally, Dawson’s tenure and role as an educator and choral director at the historic Tuskegee University cemented his legacy as a champion of Black music. Featured Music: "Ev’ry Time I Feel the Spirit" - arranged William L. Dawson - performed by the Tuskegee Institute Choir"The Bond of Africa," 1st movement, Negro Folk Symphony - composed by William Levi Dawson - performed by The American Symphony Orchestra - Leopold Stokowski, conductor " Ain’ -A That Good News" - arranged by William L. Dawson - performed by the Tuskegee Institute ChoirSupport the show

    28 min

  8. 09/27/2023

    Cracking Classical Music’s Cultural Code with Nkeiru Okoye

    In this episode, Angela and Joshua introduce our listening audience to 2021 Guggenheim Fellow, composer, and lyricist, Nkeiru Okoye. As one of the most sought after composers and creative minds of the 21st century, Okoye provides an exuberant account into her musical influences, training, and invaluable approach to scoring Black history as a way to engage, educate, and entertain audiences of the future.  Featured Music: "Nothing but the Grave,"  Harriet Tubman - Nkeiru Okoye, composer - Janinah Burnett, vocalist - Briana Hunter, vocalist - Harlem Chamber Players, string quintet"Tribute 1: Shout," Black Bottom Symphony - Nkeiru Okoye, composer - Sumayya Ali, soprano - Charlotte Small-Chestnut, mezzo-soprano - Vincent Davis, tenor - Markel Reed, baritone - Detroit Symphony Orchestra - Thomas Wilkins, conductor"A Kiss on the Forehead," Home of My Ancestors - Nkeiru Okoye, composer - Issachah Savage, tenor - Howard Watkins, pianist - Tulsa Opera  Support the show

    41 min
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5
out of 5
22 Ratings

About

Melanated Moments in Classical Music is a podcast produced by Classical Music Indy that shines a spotlight on musical works composed by, for, and about people of color. Melanated Moments is hosted by international opera soprano Angela Brown and music sociologist Joshua Thompson. For some listeners, Melanated Moments will uncover a hidden trove of classical music they never knew existed. For those with a deep knowledge of the genre, stories reflecting the cultural context of the African Diaspora will give a fresh voice to black contributions in the world of classical music.

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