Rhapsody in Black

YourClassical
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Where we turn up the voices of Black artists in the world of classical music, with host Vernon Neal.

  1. Jul 2

    Aaron Dworkin has cultivated a community through music

    American violinist and music educator Aaron Dworkin saw a need to diversify classical music and made it his life’s work. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

    5 min

  2. Jun 25

    Quincy Jones was a legend across genres and decades

    At his core, Quincy Jones was a composer and arranger whose voice was shaped by the world of classical music. His ability to weave Black musical traditions into classical frameworks opened doors for new generations of Black and Brown composers. Find out more in the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.

    5 min

  3. Jun 18

    Grammy winner Jon Batiste recounts his life in 'American Symphony'

    Right after Jon Batiste won the Grammy for album of the year in 2022, he spent three weeks sleeping in a hospital couch as his wife, Suleika Jaouad, received a bone marrow transplant for Lukemia. Now, the couple recounts the ups and down of their recent years through the Netflix documentary, ‘American Symphony.’ Find out more in the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

    5 min

  4. Jun 11

    Herbie Hancock is a musical innovator

    Herbie Hancock helped rewrite post-bop language and reimagined the rhythm section as a conversational engine. But his musical imagination wouldn’t stop at jazz. He has continued composing for film and the concert hall alike. Find out more in the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.

    5 min

  5. Jun 4

    Miles Davis reinvented the jazz scene

    Jazz trumpeter Miles Davis redefined the genre in subtle and caustic ways. While he had great success he was always restless for innovation. Find out more in the latest episode of the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.

    5 min

  6. May 28

    Tenor Lawrence Brownlee uplifts African American music and youth

    Tenor Lawrence Brownlee is conscious of how the work of Black singers in the past have helped him succeed in his career, and he intends to do the same for upcoming young singers. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

    5 min

  7. May 21

    Conductor Anthony Parnther pushes classical music to new thresholds

    Conductor Anthony Parnther knows how uncomfortable it can be to walk into a room and not see anybody who looks like you. That’s why his career has focused on advocating for Black composers and changing the perception of what classical music should be. Find out more in the ‘Rhapsody in Black’ podcast.

    5 min

  8. May 14

    Tania León is a master at weaving diverse musical influences together

    Tania León has been hailed as an astoundingly original composer and a music ambassador who continues to impact classical music significantly. Her story inspires, showcasing her perseverance and commitment to excellence in the face of adversity. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

    5 min
See All (30)

About

Where we turn up the voices of Black artists in the world of classical music, with host Vernon Neal.

Information

  • Creator
    YourClassical
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Minnesota Public Radio
  • Show Website
    Rhapsody in Black