Melanated Moments in Classical Music Classical Music Indy

Season Four culminates with violist, entrepreneur, and podcaster Drew Forde, known to over 100,000 Instagram followers as ThatViolaKid. Angela and Joshua spend time with Forde, who shares remarkable insights into the power of classical music. He explains how the viola serves as a window into his soul and shapes his trajectory within the classical genre and outside of it by collaborating with mainstream artists Alicia Keys, Adele, and others. Through it all, Drew Forde is a champion for artistic entrepreneurship and demonstrates the level of dedication and passion required to carry this versatile art form well into the 21st century.
Featured Music:
"Bach Cello Suite No. 2 (prelude)" arranged for viola
"If I Ain’t Got You" by Alicia Keys, arranged for viola by Drew Forde
"Sunflower" by Post Malone, arranged by Vitamin String Quartet, featuring Drew Forde
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Joshua introduces us to pianist and composer Dr. Mikhail Johnson. Born and raised in Jamaica, Dr. Johnson traces his musical influences from the region's choral composers to his foray into instrumental and 21st-century composition. Angela and Joshua listen to three contrasting works as Dr. Johnson provides compelling insights into the origins of their inception. Relying heavily on the lineage and language of an island and a people who continue to impact nearly every aspect of global and musical culture, his imaginative compositions inspire discovery and accessibility to transform the constructs of the classical canon.
Featured Music:
"Xamaica Fanfare" by Dr. Mikhail Johnson
"Dutty Tough" performed by vocalist Autumn Cochran Jordan, and pianist and composer Dr. Mikhail Johnson
"Wach ya HAYDN" performed by Benjamin Crook
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Joshua familiarizes us with the short but exceptional life of composer Julia Perry. He and Angela explore the meaning of postmodernism in connection with Perry's compositional evolution from traditional to postmodern stylings. A two-time recipient of the prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship, Perry studied with the renowned Madame Nadia Boulanger in France, composed despite multiple strokes and significant health challenges, and had her music recorded by the New York Philharmonic in 1965.

Featured Music:
"Free At Last" arranged by Julia Perry, performed by vocalist Robert Honeysucker and pianist Vivian Taylor
"Prelude No. 1 for piano" performed by Allegra Chapman
"Short Piece for Orchestra" performed by the Imperial Philharmonic of Tokyo
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In this episode, Angela and Joshua welcome scholar, author, and renowned vocalist Robert Sims to discuss the life and legacy of Roland Hayes. An in-depth discussion reveals Sims' great care in charting Hayes' pioneering career pathway for Black male vocalists at the turn of the 20th century. Sims' research also highlights Hayes' influence on subsequent generations of celebrated singers throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, including himself.
Featured Music:
"Du bist die ruh," sung by Roland Hayes
"Go Down Moses," sung by Roland Hayes
"Little Boy," sung by Robert Sims
"Oh My Lord, Keep Me from Sinking Down," sung by Roland Hayes and Robert Sims
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Joshua and Angela salute the illustrious career of opera soprano Leontyne Price. We hear three signature selections by Ms. Price and learn of her journey from Laurel, Mississippi, to capturing the attention and admiration of the world for her unparalleled vocal prowess and artistry. She remains a standard-bearer for opera singers globally.
Featured Music:
"Summertime" from Porgy and Bess, performed by Leontyne Price
"O patria mia" from Aida, performed by Leontyne Price and The Metropolitan Opera
"This Little Light of Mine" by Margaret Bonds, performed by Leontyne Price
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Angela and Joshua introduce and interview composer James Lee III. Lee gives us a peek into his composing process, deeply rooted in his fascination with and inspiration from his cross-cultural and musical background. Listeners are treated to three exquisite compositions that indicate why Lee is prized and in constant demand for his musical imagination and socio-historical significance.

Featured Music:
"Sonata for Violin and Piano"
"Niiji Memories," performed by the Columbia Orchestra, featuring flutist Julietta Curenton, conducted by Jason Love
"Beyond Rivers of Vision," performed by the Minnesota Orchestra, conducted by Scott Yoo
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