In this powerful episode of Black Music Seen, David Norville sits down with brothers William Henry Curry and Ralph Curry — two musicians whose lives trace the arc of Black classical history in America

From pounding on pianos in working-class Pittsburgh homes to standing on the Great Wall of China with the Cleveland Orchestra, the Curry brothers reflect on the early teachers who changed their lives, the “lightbulb moments” that revealed their calling, and the relentless work required to sustain excellence.

William shares the unforgettable story of conducting Beethoven’s Ninth at age 21 — without rehearsal — after a last-minute emergency. Ralph recounts his audition journey with the New York Philharmonic and the complicated reality of being among the first Black fellows in a major orchestra.

Together, they speak candidly about:

They also reflect on progress — slow, often glacial — and the responsibility they now feel to support the next generation of Black classical musicians.

This is a conversation about resilience. About community. About the love of music that endures even when the system does not.

Black Music Seen continues its commitment to preserving the lived stories of Black classical musicians — honoring those who carried the culture and those shaping what comes next.

Following our conversation with Lawrence Brownlee, this episode centers on Weston Sprott and Shea Scruggs — founding members of the Black Orchestral Network — for a deeper look at how BON began and what it means to build something that lasts.

What started as informal conversations among friends evolved into a sustained effort to create community, advocacy, and infrastructure for Black orchestral musicians. Weston and Shea reflect on the early days, the urgency of 2020, and the quiet consistency required to transform reflection into action.

The conversation explores:

• The organic beginnings of BON

This episode offers a candid look at the work behind the work — the relationships, conversations, and commitment that continue to shape the Black Orchestral Network.

Black Music Seen remains committed to preserving the lived stories of Black classical musicians — honoring those who carried the culture and those building its future.

In this episode of Black Music Seen, tenor Lawrence Brownlee joins Weston Sprott and Shea Scruggs for an unfiltered conversation about the real work behind a lasting career in classical music.

From singing in church to performing leading roles at the Metropolitan Opera, Brownlee reflects on the long road to artistic authority — including the rejection, setbacks, and self-doubt that shaped him along the way. He speaks candidly about losing early competitions, being told he would never have a major career, and why he believes failure is not an obstacle, but a necessary ingredient of success.

Together, they explore:

Black Music Seen continues its commitment to preserving the lived stories of Black classical musicians — honoring those who carried the culture and those shaping what comes next.

In this episode of Black Music Seen, we spotlight the next generation of leadership in Black classical music.

Hosted by Brittney Bryanna Burgess — Executive Director of Black Collegiate Musicians — this conversation features Shania Watts (violist at The Juilliard School and President of the Juilliard Black Student Union) and Wynter McCray (double bassist at Juilliard and Vice President of the Juilliard Black Student Union).

Recorded live at OPERA America, this dialogue centers on mentorship, self-advocacy, and the importance of building a life in classical music that extends beyond the practice room. From learning how to say no, to asking questions without fear, to imagining a more diverse and sustainable future for the concert hall, this episode reflects on what it means to lead with intention.

Black Collegiate Musicians works to connect and uplift Black music students nationwide, serving as a network of support, advocacy, and community.

This episode continues our commitment to preserving the lived stories of Black classical music — from those who carried the culture to those shaping what comes next.

On today’s episode, we’re joined by violinist, writer, and cultural historian Rosalyn Story.

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. Whether chronicling the legacy of opera trailblazers like Sissieretta Jones or guiding students through the soundscape of African American music, Rosalyn brings a rare kind of dual fluency — one grounded in both performance and storytelling.

In this episode, she shares how a $0.75 violin class in Kansas City sparked a lifelong passion, what it meant to be the only Black musician in the room, and how music — especially jazz — continues to sustain her in moments of grief and resistance.

It’s a conversation about resilience, reverence, and the many ways we remember who we are — through sound, through stories, and through one another.

In today’s episode, we’ll meet 23-year-old Quenton Blache, a remarkable cellist and composer. Quenton has performed with prestigious groups like the National Youth Orchestra of the USA and Sphinx Virtuosi. He has also been commissioned to create works for the Sphinx Virtuosi, North Carolina Chamber Music Institute, and Little Orchestra Society.

We'll explore Quenton's journey, listen to some of his works, and, at the end of the show, premiere his brand-new piece.

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 our conversation, she reflects on growing up in a music-filled neighborhood, the mentors who shaped her, and the values of discipline, service, and joy that continue to guide her life. We also talk about what it means to show up—fully and authentically—as a Black woman in classical music spaces, and how she continues to inspire the next generation.

On today’s episode, We’re highlighting the Gateways Music Festival — a powerful meeting ground for Black classical musicians from across the country. It’s more than a festival. It’s a home. A reunion. A proving ground.

You’ll hear from four extraordinary artists who carry that legacy forward: Alex Laing, Curtis Stewart, Melissa White, and Damien Sneed.

From world premieres to reimagined classics, from personal reflections to artistic breakthroughs — this episode is a window into the soul of Gateways.

On today’s episode, we’re talking with Carlos Simon—a Grammy-nominated composer, cultural storyteller, and one of the most influential musical voices of our time.

Carlos’s music blends gospel, jazz, classical, and cinematic soundscapes to tell stories that speak to our collective memory, our spiritual traditions, and the urgency of now. From his work with the Kennedy Center and Boston Symphony to his bold compositions like Requiem for the Enslaved, Amen!, and brea(d)th, Carlos is using music as a form of ministry, resistance, and joy.

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. 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.