Melanated Moments in Classical Music, podcast spotlighting works by, for, and about people of color, launches March 18

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana -- 

On March 18, Classical Music Indy proudly presents the first season of Melanated Moments in Classical Music with a dynamic duo as co-hosts. International opera soprano Angela Brown and music sociologist Joshua Thompson probe the African diaspora as reflected in classical music, a sometimes overlooked, yet brilliant, canon.

Angela's outsized personality and performance career paired with Joshua's extensive knowledge of musical repertoire and history is irresistible. Balancing fun, lively commentary with no-nonsense straight talk, Joshua and Angela share a deep commitment to be a voice for black artists, as black artists. 

"We take you inside the music and explain the stories behind pieces. You'll hear inside information you can only get from a seasoned, veteran performer like Angela!" says Thompson, who was approached by Classical Music Indy to create a podcast that would draw on his personal experience with race and his zeal for researching musicians of color. Having worked with Angela on other projects, Joshua asked her to co-host because he knew their personalities and strengths would complement each other and result in an amazing show. Angela was thrilled to do it and the project became a reality.

Season One offers six, 15- to 20-minute episodes featuring composers, lyricists, and performers William Grant Still, Evelyn Simpson Curenton, Thomas Wiggins, Toni Morrison, and Maya Angelou. The format is designed for people who like consuming information in small bites, but listeners still get plenty to contemplate. Thompson and Brown offer provocative insights and credible resources to pique listeners' imaginations for further exploration if they so choose.

For some listeners, Melanated Moments will uncover a hidden trove of classical music they never knew existed. For those with a deep musical knowledge, stories reflecting the cultural context of the African Diaspora will offer a fresh perspective on black contributions in the world of classical music. Thompson adds, "If you're wondering who this podcast is for, the answer is everyone! There's something here for everyone."

Classical Music Indy proudly welcomes CAAPA, the Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts and Morning Brown, Inc., as the podcast's official promotional partners for the first season. For more information and complete episode descriptions, please visit https://www.classicalmusicindy.org/podcasts/melanated-moments/

Subscribe to Melanated Moments in Classical Music on your favorite podcast app.

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About Classical Music Indy: 

Classical Music Indy was created in 1961 when a group of research chemists pooled their resources, formed a corporation, and sought a broadcast outlet for classical music on the air. Classical Music Indy is the non-profit producer and syndicator of classical music radio programs, the originator of numerous community engagement and education programs, and an advocate for classical music and classical music-makers.     www.classicalmusicindy.org 

About CAAPA:

The Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts is a non-profit organization promoting opportunities for Black classical musicians and others through arts performances, education, and outreach. "Bringing Color to the Classics!"    www.4caapa.org

About Angela Brown and Morning Brown, Inc.:

Soprano Angela Brown’s multi-genre career has been lauded on the front page of The New York Times, CNN, CBS, in Oprah Magazine and Reader's Digest. With performances spanning six continents, Angela has graced the leading opera and symphonic stages of the world. She is the founder of Morning Brown, Inc., a nonprofit with the mission of bridging the gap between accessible, live-music programs and underserved individuals, schools, and communities.   www.angelambrown.com    www.morningbrown.org

About Joshua Thompson:

Combining his passions for social advocacy and music education, Joshua Thompson is currently in residence at the Africana Studies Center for Music and Society at the Berklee School of Music in Boston. He is sought after by agencies and organizations as an advocate for access to educational resources throughout central Indiana. An active board member of Arts for Lawrence and a Beckmann Emerging Artist Fellow of the Arts Council of Indianapolis, Joshua is an accomplished pianist with a personal mission to exclusively program and perform classical masterworks by composers of African descent.    www.joshuaathompson.net