Spotlight: Celebrating Black History

Celebrating Black History

This month, the Charlotte Symphony is shining a spotlight on the contributions of Black composers and artists in classical music. We’ll share notable performances of works by Black composers, the history of Black pioneers in classical music, and composers/artists of today that are enriching the classical music scene and inspiring countless future musicians.

Learn more about how the Charlotte Symphony is celebrating Black History Month at charlottesymphony.org/black-history-month

Spotlight on Black Composers

Frederick C. Tillis

Dr. Frederick C. Tillis

A trailblazer in the American classical music tradition, Dr. Frederick C. Tillis bridged jazz and European classical music as a renowned composer, jazz saxophonist, and educator. Born in Galveston, TX in 1930, Dr. Tillis began composing when he was 20 years old.

Valerie Coleman

Valerie Coleman

A visionary composer, flutist, and entrepreneur, Valerie Coleman has made significant contributions to modern music. From being named 2020 Classical Woman of the Year (Performance Today), one of the Top 35 Woman Composers in Classical Music (Washington Post), and a Grammy nomination, Coleman has earned high acclaim.

Florence Price

Florence Price

A composer, pianist, organist, and music teacher, Florence Price is recognized as the first AfricanAmerican woman to have a symphonic work performed by a major national symphony orchestra.

Jessie Montgomery

Jessie Montgomery

Jessie Montgomery is an acclaimed composer, violinist, and educator. Her music interweaves classical music with elements of vernacular music, improvisation, language, and social justice, placing her squarely as one of the most relevant interpreters of 21st-century American sound and experience.

Upcoming Concerts featuring Black Artists & Composers

CSO On Tap at NoDa Brewing Co.

ON TAP @ NODA

February 8 7 pm | NoDa Brewing Co.

Join us in the taproom at NoDa Brewing for our next On Tap performance! CSO musicians have prepared a fantastic lineup of works by Dr. Frederick C. Tillis, Valerie Coleman, and more.

Morehouse College Glee Club

MOREHOUSE COLLEGE GLEE CLUB

March 4 7:30 pm | Belk Theater

This special collaboration between your Charlotte Symphony and the Morehouse Glee Club raises money for scholarships for Charlotte-area students attending Morehouse College.

Errollyn Wallen

BARBER VIOLIN CONCERTO

March 25 & 26 7:30 pm | Knight Theater

Conductor Joshua Gersen leads a program that includes Errollyn Wallen’s Mighty River, a work that explores themes of slavery and freedom through spirituals and contemporary classical techniques.

Orchestra Noir

BEETHOVEN MEETS 90S VIBE

April 1 7:30 pm | Knight Theater

Experience the duality of Atlanta’s Orchestra Noir as they join your CSO for an evening of 90s vibes, featuring works by Beethoven alongside music from icons like TLC, LL Cool J, Biggie Smalls, and more.