Black Music Seen

Rhyuhn Green, Pianst and Composer

Today, we’re joined by a rising star whose artistry is captivating audiences worldwide—18-year-old pianist and composer Rhyuhn Green. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Rhyuhn has already made waves with his award-winning single Symbiosis, featured on NPR’s Tiny Desk and From the Top, as well as performances with the Philadelphia Orchestra and Curtis Institute of Music. A Kovner Fellow at Juilliard, Rhyuhn’s talent extends beyond classical music—his work fuses jazz, rock, and R&B, showcasing his versatility as a producer and performer.
Rhyuhn is stepping into a new chapter with the release of his first album, Pheonixes—a bold statement on rebirth, resilience, and creative evolution.
On this episode, we’ll get to know Rhyuhn, hear his music, and explore the inspirations behind Pheonixes.
 
Pheonixes is out now available everywhere. 

Black Music Seen LIVE at the BON Summit 2024

This month, we’re bringing you an extraordinary episode of Black Music Seen, recorded LIVE at our BON Summit this past October!
 
Featuring two brilliant scholars: Dr. Matthew Morrison and Dr Richard Desinord, we explored the obstacles that hinder the integration and expression of Black cultural aesthetics in so called classical music.
 
What do we mean when we talk about “authenticity” and “aesthetics” in Black music? How do we continue to bring more Black culture into classical music? What can we learn from those who came before us?
 
Black cultural aesthetics are in focus in this episode.
 
🎧 Don’t miss this special episode of Black Music Seen, where live energy meets academic brilliance, offering a fresh perspective on the art we celebrate.

The Uptown String Quartet

On today’s episode, we’re talking with The Uptown String Quartet, a group that was formed in the 80s and guided by the legendary American drummer and Composer Max Roach. The group started as a double quartet that played with Max’s band and later became a group that consisted of violinists Diane Monroe and Lesa Terry, Max’s Daughter - Violist Maxine Roach and their late colleague, cellist Eileen Folson.
 
This all-Black, all-women string quartet has pushed boundaries and redefined what it means to be virtuosi since the mid-80’s. From their roots in Harlem to stages across the globe, the Uptown String Quartet was one of the first groups to notably bridge African-American sounds - like blues, swing, jazz, soul, funk, and improvisation with string quartets.
 
From playing jazz venues like the Blue Note to performing notable programs like The Cosby Show and Mr. Rogers Neighborhood, we’re going to explore the quartet’s rich history, their memorable moments, and the unique stories that have shaped them as artists and as trailblazers in the music world.

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.