Black Music Seen

Black Music Seen Honors Hispanic Heritage Month

Black Music Seen presents a special episode in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month! 
This episode of Black Music Seen is a heartfelt tribute to Pete ‘El Conde’ Rodriguez—the legendary Afro-Latin salsa singer whose legacy has shaped generations. In this episode, his children, Cita Rodriguez and Pete Rodriguez Jr., are joined by their cousin, Emilio Carlo, the Black Orchestral Network’s Director of Projects and a classically trained violist, to share insights into their family’s cultural influence and the power of Afro-Latin music.

George Lewis - Composer & Trombonist

On today’s episode, we’ll meet George Lewis. A Chicago-born trombonist, technologist, musicologist, and composer. 
 
He’s the Artistic Director of the International Contemporary Ensemble and the Edwin H. Case Professor of American Music at Columbia University. He’s widely recognized as a trailblazer in modern music, particularly for his groundbreaking work in creating computer programs that improvise alongside human musicians in live performance.
 
Over his remarkable career, George has explored the vast possibilities of sound through electronic and computer music, multimedia installations, and both notated and improvised forms. His innovative contributions are documented in more than 150 recordings.
 
George's achievements have earned him numerous accolades, including a MacArthur Fellowship, a Guggenheim Fellowship, fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, and honorary doctorates from Harvard University and The Curtis Institute of Music. At 72, George continues to be a dynamic force in music, with his work being performed and premiered all over the world.
 
Today we’ll get a chance to talk to George Lewis about his upbringing, learn about influential forces like the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians or AACM. We’ll learn how George designed electronics that can improvise with humans live in concert. And, we’ll hear his music. 

Black Music Seen LIVE at SphinxConnect24

On February 24th, the Black Orchestral Network hosted a captivating live episode of Black Music Seen at SphinxConnect24. Facilitated by David Norviile, the episode featured an intergenerational panel discussion with four esteemed guests: Dale Allmond Breidenthal, Francisco Joubert, Jennifer Arnold, and Joseph Conyers.
In this engaging episode, the panelists delved into our evolving orchestral landscape and explored the pursuit of a more inclusive future for orchestral musicians. From reflecting on their respective experiences in classical music to examining trends over time, the conversation offered valuable insights and perspectives.

Black Music Seen Celebrates Women's History Month

Today's episode honors women in classical music. Join Lexi Ligon Halloway, Deja Wilson, Jennifer Arnold, and Ebonee Thomas from the BON steering committee as they lead an inspiring conversation celebrating the contributions of women in classical music. Plus, hear submissions from our amazing community. 

Dale Allmond Breidenthal, Violin

In this episode, we'll meet Dale Allmond Breidenthal, a distinguished violinist hailing from Los Angeles, CA, with roots deeply embedded in the vibrant West Adams/Crenshaw District. Dale's musical journey began at the University of Southern California, where she honed her craft under the tutelage of renowned violinist Eudice Shapiro. Following her graduation, Dale embarked on a remarkable career trajectory, earning a coveted position with the prestigious Los Angeles Philharmonic (LAPhil) in 1983, under the baton of Maestro Carlo Maria Giulini.
Throughout her illustrious tenure with the LAPhil, Dale has not only showcased her exceptional talent but has also dedicated herself to nurturing the next generation of musicians as a private music instructor for the Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles (YOLA). Her commitment to artistic excellence and community service has earned her the esteemed Dalzell chair for Artistic Service to the Community by the LAPhil.
In this insightful episode, Dale shares captivating anecdotes from her decades-long career, offering a glimpse into the inner workings of the orchestral world. From her unforgettable experiences performing for movie soundtracks like "Hidden Figures" and "Da 5 Bloods" to her unwavering dedication to social justice, Dale's story is as inspiring as it is impactful. Join us as we delve into the remarkable journey of Dale Allmond Breidenthal, a true luminary of classical music.
 
 
 

Black Music Seen LIVE at the BON Summit 2023

From the Inaugural Black Orchestral Network Summit 2023 - BLACK MUSIC SEEN LIVE:Voices of Black Empowerment - a facilitated conversation about history of activism and Black Musicians
 
Speakers: Dr. Fredara Hadley, Ethnomusicology Professor at The Juilliard School Dr. Tammy L. Kernodle, University Distinguished Professor of Music at Miami University in Oxford, OH David Norville, Producer for New York Public Radio’s WQXR

Booker Rowe Jr., Violin

In today’s episode, we’ll meet Booker Rowe. A Philadelphia born violinist who played for just over 50 years with the Philadelphia orchestra. He sat down with us to tell his story and even agreed to chat with two of our Black Orchestral Network founding members with whom he has a pretty special connection . 
 
Booker, like so many Black musicians we’ll hear from in this series carries with him a rich history of personal stories, musical moments, triumphs and setbacks… all the while bearing witness to the beautiful and troubling experiences one faces when you are Black and just so happen to love classical music. 
 
In the style of a true gentleman, Booker Shares his story. 

Rufus Olivier Jr., Bassoon

In today’s episode, we’ll meet Rufus Olivier Jr. - the principal bassoonist for the San Francisco Opera and San Francisco Ballet. He joined the symphony in 1977 at only 21 years of age after winning the position for 2nd bassoon. When the Symphony split from the Opera, Rufus auditioned for the Opera and won the principal position. In 1992 he won the principal audition for the Ballet as well.
 
He has recorded many movie, video, CD, and TV soundtracks including Disney’s Never Cry Wolf and San Francisco Opera’s Grammy-nominated CD Orphée et Eurydice. He was even awarded a Grammy for the soundtrack Elmo in Grouchland.
 
Over several decades, Rufus Olivier Jr. has led a career as a bassoonist very much worthy of uplifting and celebrating. We had an amazing time sitting down with him and getting to know him. He’s an exuberant guy, full of laughs, who’s certainly mastered the art of the bassoon and “navigating” life one step at a time, day by day.

Ann Hobson Pilot, Harp

Today’s episode takes us through the life and times of the harpist Ann Hobson Pilot - a black woman whose talent and prowess as a harp player shattered the color barrier of the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1969, leading her to forge a decorated career as a harpist, inspiring many of the Black classical musicians of today. 
 
For over 4 decades Ann forged an awe-inspiring career through some of our country’s most intense racial moments while performing at the highest level in a field of music most known for racial and social prejudice.
 
The Black Music Seen podcast is a product of the Black Orchestral Network, where our mission is to cultivate community, lift our voices, and tell our stories. If you’d like to get involved and support the Black Orchestral Network please visit blackorchestralnetwork.org!
 
The Black Orchestral Network is sponsored by the Gateways Music Festival and generously supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
 
Credits:
Written and Produced by: David A. Norville
Co-hosts: Joy Payton Stevens & Titus Underwood
 
Music Credits:
Journey To Ascend by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/8951-journey-to-ascend
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license