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Open Ears

Open Ears: The Trailblazing Journey of Rudolph Dunbar

Open Ears: The Trailblazing Journey of Rudolph Dunbar

Explore the life of Rudolph Dunbar, the first Black man to conduct the Berlin and London Philharmonics, his fight for racial equality, and his mysterious career decline.

02/25/2026
Open Ears: The Endlessly Unfolding Story of Margaret Bonds

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.

02/22/2026
Open Ears: Get to Know “the Dean of Black Women Composers”.

Open Ears: Get to Know “the Dean of Black Women Composers”.

Explore the life of Undine Smith Moore, a significant 20th-century composer and teacher of spirituals, known as "the Dean of Black Women Composers".

02/19/2026
Nora Holt: Free-Spirited Composer of the Harlem Renaissance

Nora Holt: Free-Spirited Composer of the Harlem Renaissance

Explore the life of Nora Douglas Holt, a pioneering African-American composer, singer, and critic from the Harlem Renaissance, whose contributions to music remain largely unappreciated.

02/14/2026
Open Ears: Get to Know the Incredible Story of Marian Anderson

Open Ears: Get to Know the Incredible Story of Marian Anderson

Explore the inspiring journey of Marian Anderson, a trailblazing African American singer who overcame racial barriers to perform at the White House and Metropolitan Opera.

02/14/2026
Open Ears: The Resurrection of Florence B. Price

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
Open Ears: Eva Jessye and the Harlem Renaissance

Open Ears: Eva Jessye and the Harlem Renaissance

This article explores the life of Eva Jessye, a key figure in American music and the Harlem Renaissance, who made significant contributions to civil rights and classical music.

02/08/2026

RELATED TOPICS

Women in ClassicalBlack PerformersBlack ComposersLatin American ComposersPop Culture

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The World’s Top 5 Classical Music Destinations to Add to Your Bucket List

The World’s Top 5 Classical Music Destinations to Add to Your Bucket List

Explore the rich musical history of Vienna, Salzburg, Milan, Leipzig, and London. Discover iconic venues, museums, and homes of legendary composers in these classical music cities.

03/12/2026
Artists Expanding the Classical Landscape

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

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.

02/07/2026
A Deep Dive into Beethoven's Beloved Symphony No. 9

A Deep Dive into Beethoven's Beloved Symphony No. 9

Brian Lauritzen dives deep into Beethoven's timeless 9th Symphony

12/16/2025
Beethoven’s Quartet of ‘Thanksgiving’

Beethoven’s Quartet of ‘Thanksgiving’

Beethoven's String Quartet in A Minor, Op. 132, features a movement expressing gratitude for recovery from illness. It alternates between prayerful chorales and lively sections, reflecting his mortality.

11/25/2025
The Story Behind “Appalachian Spring,” the Ballet

The Story Behind “Appalachian Spring,” the Ballet

Explore the history of Appalachian Spring, a ballet commissioned by Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge, composed by Aaron Copland, and choreographed by Martha Graham.

11/22/2025