For more than 30 years, Rosalyn Story has performed violin with the Fort Worth Symphony — but her artistry doesn’t stop there. She’s also a novelist, a journalist, and a passionate keeper of Black musical history.

In today’s episode, we’ll meet 23-year-old Quenton Blache, a remarkable cellist and composer.

On today’s episode, we’re talking with Beverly Kane Baker—a pioneering violist whose career has spanned decades, stages, and generations. From her early training at Juilliard to her role as principal violist with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, Beverly has carved out a legacy grounded in excellence, community, and spiritual purpose.

In this powerful episode of Black Music Seen, we journey into the heart of the Gateways Music Festival — a gathering like no other, where Black classical musicians from across the country come together to perform, reflect, and be seen.

We sat down ahead of the upcoming premiere of his monumental new work, Good News Mass, commissioned by the LA Philharmonic. It’s a gospel-infused reimagining of the Catholic Mass that features spoken word, orchestral brilliance, and visual storytelling—anchored in the Black sacred tradition. In this conversation, we talk about the creative journey behind Good News Mass, what it means to compose from a place of faith and ancestral presence, and how Carlos continues to push boundaries while remaining deeply rooted in purpose.

Today, we’re joined by a rising star whose artistry is captivating audiences worldwide—18-year-old pianist and composer Rhyuhn Green following the release of his new album, Pheonixes.

This month, we’re bringing you an extraordinary episode of Black Music Seen, recorded LIVE at our BON Summit this past October!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.      

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

Hear the story of an African-American violinist who played with the Philadelphia Orchestra for five decades.

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.

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