Melanated Moments in Classical Music

In this episode, Joshua and Angela speak with Dr. Bill Banfield about his personal experience with the COVID-19 virus and how it caused him to think deeply about the deep issues of our lives and the lives of those around us. They use Dr. Banfield's 6th Symphony as a catalyst to explore how hard times like those we are experiencing often precede moments of hope and joy. Featured Music: "S...

In this bonus episode of the show, Angela and Joshua invite a special and renowned guest,  Dr. Bill Banfield, to share insight into his amazing body of work. This episode focuses on how art can help us process tragedies and draw through lines between the past's struggles and the present's hardships. Through this process, we learn how artists can help foster peace and hope on an individua...

In this episode, Angela walks us through her storied career and shares some of her favorite performances with the help of her long-time friend, Janet Jarriel . Featured Music: "Ciel mio padre" from Aida (Act III) by Giuseppe Verdi, performed by soprano Angela Brown , baritone Gregg Baker , and Opera Philadelphia The theme song from UCNF, performed live by Angela Brown in "Opera...fr...

Our featured composer in this episode, Thomas Wiggins, is one of the most talented musicians of all time…who also happened to be non-verbal, blind, and born into slavery. Joshua tells us how in his own time, Wiggins was portrayed as a circus act rather than a musical genius but is now starting to get the recognition he has long deserved. Featured Music: "Battle of Manassas" by Thomas Wig...

In this episode of Melanated Moments, Angela gives us an inside look at the making of a masterpiece. She tells us how composer Richard Danielpour worked with literary legend Maya Angelou to set a number of poems for the iconic song cycle, A Woman’s Life . Angela tells us of her once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform in Miss Angelou’s own home, a performance that moved her to tears. Featured Mus...

The libretto for this week’s piece was written by poet laureate and iconic literary figure Toni Morrison. Margaret Garner is an opera that tells the story of an escaped slave who is captured but decides to kill her own children rather than see them forced back into slavery. Our own Angela Brown voiced one of the principal characters during the world premiere in Detroit, and she walks us through th...

On our debut episode of Melanated Moments in Classical Music, Joshua introduces us to one of his favorite composers, William Grant Still. Known as the Dean of African American Composers, his Africa Suite transports the listener to the dawn of time and the cradle of civilization. Joshua and Angela discuss the piece’s second movement, Land of Romance as well as cartoons, relationships, and defying s...

Evelyn Simpson Curenton was born into one of the most musically gifted families of all time, and her talent still shined through. She is one of the most sought-after composers and musicians of her time. In this episode, Angela walks us through two of Curenton’s personal favorite spiritual pieces: Sinner Please Don't Let This Harvest Pass and Oh, Glory . Featured Music: "Sinner Please Don...

Classical Music Indy invites you to subscribe to a show that takes a fresh look at classical music. Join us as we shine a spotlight on musical works composed by, for, and about people of color. Hosts Angela Brown and Joshua Thompson take you inside the music and tell the stories behind the pieces with a perfect blend of lively conversation and no-nonsense straight talk. Full episodes coming March...