Black History Month Celebration #9 – 2021 How Black Composers Shaped the Sound of American Classical Music. This series will cover those making history and historical Black Figures, events, activities and of course music related if possible. We should remember and not lose what we accomplished. Enjoy Black History Month

How Black Composers Shaped the Sound of American Classical Music

Downes’ new project, Rising Sun Music, aims to reframe the history of American classical music by embracing its diverse origins and composers of color like Price, while building a more inclusive future for the genre. The project, created and curated by Downes and assisted by veteran classical music producer Adam Abeshouse, is a series of newly recorded works written by black composers—including many works that have never been recorded before—performed by Downes with guest artists. She plans to release one song. More: per week to streaming platforms, with a new theme every month, beginning February 5. Read More

These Seven Black Composers Made Classical Music History

Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges (b. 1745, d. 1799)

Born in Guadeloupe, the son of a wealthy plantation owner and his African slave, Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges led an extraordinary life. After his father moved him permanently to France in 1753, the young Saint-George quickly became a champion fencer, which became his ticket into elite Parisian society. He made his debut as a violinist and composer in 1772, performing two violin concertos that thoroughly demonstrated both his virtuosic playing ability and his gift for composing songful and expressive melodies.

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