CC Logo A Public Service of USC
Schedule
HostsWays to Give
Donate
Loading profile
HomePlaylistSchedule
HostsEventsOn DemandOur StoryOur TeamWays to Give Become a Sponsor
How to ListenVisit Help CenterContact Us

Find Us on Social Media

CC Logo White Horizontal A Public Service of USC

Download Our Mobile App

Google Play Icon

About

HomePlaylistSchedule
HostsOn DemandOur StoryOur Team

Community

EventsWays to Give Become a SponsorPressDiversity StatementCareersKUSC EEO ReportKDFC EEO ReportDigital Accessibility

Help

How to ListenVisit Help CenterContact Us

Find Us on Social Media

Sweepstakes RulesKUSC Local Public FilesKDFC Local Public FilesPrivacy PolicyCode of Integrity

©2026 Classical California

Violin Image

Black Composers

Margaret-Bonds-9x6.jpg

Open Ears: The Endlessly Unfolding Story of Margaret Bonds

Explore the underappreciated life and work of Margaret Bonds, a pioneering Black composer and pianist, whose music is still being discovered 46 years after her death.

06/08/2026
KrisBowers20932_Photo-Credit-Molly-Cranna-Resized.jpg

Crossings: 6 Pieces By Black Composers Whose Inspirations and Innovations Have Helped Define Our American Sound

Explore the rich history and contributions of Black composers in American music, from pioneers like Florence Price to contemporary artists like Kris Bowers and Jon Batiste.

02/17/2026
cc-black history month-(600 x 300 px)

Artists Expanding the Classical Landscape

In February, enjoy this selection of remarkable composers, performers, and musical leaders as they share their favorite music with you.

02/10/2026
Pianokeys.jpg

Open Ears: The Resurrection of Florence B. Price

Explore the life and legacy of Florence B. Price, the first African American woman to have a symphony performed by a major orchestra.

02/08/2026
cc-Kris-Bowers-16x9

Classical Californians: Kris Bowers

This week's Classical Californian is composer Kris Bowers

06/26/2024
Julius-Eastman-Donald-Burkhardt.jpg

Gay Guerilla: Julius Eastman Comes to Los Angeles

This article explores the life and work of Julius Eastman, a gay Black American composer who fused jazz and classical music. It discusses his struggle with identity, his unique compositions, and his posthumous recognition.

02/12/2024
cc-Billy-Childs16x9

Classical Californians: Billy Childs

Jazz pianist/Composer Billy Childs is our Classical Californian

02/07/2024

Shows

Lara-9x3-1.jpg

Crossings

Classical California Resident Artist Lara Downes will bring you two hours of music from Black composers whose inspirations and innovations help define our American sound—from Scott Joplin and Florence Price to Wynton Marsalis and Jon Batiste.

RELATED TOPICS

Black PerformersOpen EarsFilm/TVClassical CaliforniansCulture

MORE TO DISCOVER

Adobe-Stock-spooky-film-spider.jpg

A DIY Spooky Film Festival for Classical Fans

Explore 10 iconic horror films known for their classical music scores, including Jaws, Psycho, and The Shining. Discover where to stream or rent these spine-chilling classics.

10/27/2026
road-trip-classical-california-summer-coast-iStock-1145661962.jpg

A Playlist for Driving Along the Coast with the Top Down

Explore Alan Chapman's top music picks for a scenic drive, featuring works from Handel, Copland, Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky, and Borodin. Perfect for every journey phase.

08/17/2026
CC-anna handler main

Classical Californians: Anna Handler

German-Colombian conductor and pianist Anna Handler, the newly appointed Conductor-in-Residence of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, is this week's Classical Californian.

08/08/2026
CC-laura karpman 2026 main

Classical Californians: Laura Karpman

Film composer Laura Karpman plays music that influenced her life, from her early days as a student to her success as a composer for Marvel Studios and HBO. Tune in for her playlist and inspirations.

08/05/2026
classroom-kenny-eliason-via-unsplash-6x9-1.jpeg

Go Back To School with Classical California!

Explore a unique playlist of school-inspired music spanning centuries, from Haydn's symphony to the Hogwarts Legacy game soundtrack. Perfect for back-to-school season!

07/27/2026
cc-riot games web main

Classical Californians: Riot Games Composers Vol 2

This week on Classical Californians, three of the composers behind the music at Riot Games: Bill Hemstapat, Alexander Temple, and J.D. Spears return!

07/25/2026