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Season Four culminates with violist, entrepreneur, and podcaster Drew Forde, known to over 100,000 Instagram followers as ThatViolaKid. Angela and Joshua spend time with Forde, who shares remarkable insights into the power of classical music. He explains how the viola serves as a window into his soul and shapes his trajectory within the classical genre and outside of it by collaborating with mainstream artists Alicia Keys, Adele, and others. Through it all, Drew Forde is a champion for artistic entrepreneurship and demonstrates the level of dedication and passion required to carry this versatile art form well into the 21st century. Featured Music:"Bach Cello Suite No. 2 (prelude)" arranged for viola"If I Ain’t Got You" by Alicia Keys, arranged for viola by Drew Forde"Sunflower" by Post Malone, arranged by Vitamin String Quartet, featuring Drew FordeSupport the show (https://classicalmusicindy.org/support-classical-music-indy/)

Joshua introduces us to pianist and composer Dr. Mikhail Johnson. Born and raised in Jamaica, Dr. Johnson traces his musical influences from the region's choral composers to his foray into instrumental and 21st-century composition. Angela and Joshua listen to three contrasting works as Dr. Johnson provides compelling insights into the origins of their inception. Relying heavily on the lineage and language of an island and a people who continue to impact nearly every aspect of global and musical culture, his imaginative compositions inspire discovery and accessibility to transform the constructs of the classical canon. Featured music:"Dutty Tough" performed by Autumn Cochran Jordan (Voice) and Dr. Mikhail Johnson (piano)Wach ya HAYDN? performed by Benjamin Crook, pianoSupport the show (https://classicalmusicindy.org/support-classical-music-indy/)

Joshua familiarizes us with the short but exceptional life of composer Julia Perry. He and Angela explore the meaning of postmodernism in connection with Perry's compositional evolution from traditional to postmodern stylings. A two-time recipient of the prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship, Perry studied with the renowned Madame Nadia Boulanger in France, composed despite multiple strokes and significant health challenges, and had her music recorded by the New York Philharmonic in 1965.Featured music:"Free At Last" traditional spiritual arranged by Perry, performed by vocalist Robert Honeysucker and pianist Vivian Taylor"Prelude No. 1 for piano" performed by Allegra Chapman"Short Piece for Orchestra" performed by the Imperial Philharmonic of TokyoSupport the show (https://classicalmusicindy.org/support-classical-music-indy/)

In this episode, Angela and Joshua welcome scholar, author, and renowned vocalist Robert Sims to discuss the life and legacy of Roland Hayes. An in-depth discussion reveals Sims' great care in charting Hayes' pioneering career pathway for Black male vocalists at the turn of the 20th century. Sims' research also brings to light Hayes' influence on subsequent generations of celebrated singers throughout the 20th and 21st century, including himself. Featured music: "Du bist die ruh," sung by Roland Hayes"Go Down Moses," sung by Roland Hayes"Little Boy," sung by Robert Sims"Oh My Lord, Keep Me from Sinking Down," sung by Roland Hayes and Robert SimsSupport the show (https://classicalmusicindy.org/support-classical-music-indy/)

Joshua and Angela salute the illustrious career of opera soprano Leontyne Price. We hear three signature selections by Ms. Price and learn of her journey from Laurel, Mississippi, to capturing the attention and admiration of the world for her unparalleled vocal prowess and artistry. She remains a standard-bearer for opera singers globally. Featured music: "Summertime" from Porgy and Bess"O patria mia" from Aida – The Metropolitan Opera"This Little Light of Mine" – Margaret BondsSupport the show (https://classicalmusicindy.org/support-classical-music-indy/)

Angela and Joshua introduce and interview composer James Lee III. Lee gives us a peek into his composing process that is deeply rooted in his fascination with and inspiration from his cross-cultural and musical background. Listeners are treated to three exquisite compositions that clearly indicate why Lee is prized and in constant demand for his musical imagination and socio-historical significance.Featured Music: "Sonata for Violin and Piano""Niiji Memories," performed by the Columbia Orchestra, featuring flutist Julietta Curenton, conducted by Jason Love."Beyond Rivers of Vision," performed by the Minnesota Orchestra, conducted by Scott Yoo.Support the show (https://classicalmusicindy.org/support-classical-music-indy/)

In this episode, Angela introduces everyone to the life and legacy of trailblazer Shirley Verrett. Her remarkable voice and artistry allowed her to successfully span mezzo-soprano and soprano roles. Verrett ascended to the heights of operatic stardom during the Civil Rights era of the 1960s, defying the racist and exclusionary customs of the industry. Verrett is recognized as one of the most revered Black operatic figures and continues to be a role model to generations of aspiring vocalists. Featured music: Mon coeur s'ouvre á ta voix from "Samson et Dalila" by Saint-SaënsVissi da'rte from "Tosca" by PucinniGive Me JesusSupport the show (https://classicalmusicindy.org/support-classical-music-indy/)

The first episode of Season 4 introduces audiences to the life, work, and continued impact of composer, bandleader, and culture creator Francis Johnson. Angela and Joshua listen to his 'Johnson's March' and 'New Bird Waltz' while providing commentary on Johnson's unmistakable role in defining the sound of patriotic music for a young America desperate to cultivate an identity of its own.Support the show (https://classicalmusicindy.org/support-classical-music-indy/)

Angela and Joshua wrap up Season Three with a flourish by speaking with solo and collaborative violist Ashleigh Gordon who is recognized internationally as an effective social change agent through education. Ashleigh reflects on her journey as a musician and how she endeavors to center and celebrate the works of Black artists and composers through her Boston-based organization Castle of Our Skins. Featured performances including Ashleigh’s rendition of Margaret Bonds’ The Negro Speaks of River as well as her performance of Vivace from String Quartet No. 1 by Adolphus Hailstork.Support the show (https://classicalmusicindy.org/support-classical-music-indy/)

Joshua and Angela welcome the distinguished ethnomusicologist Rev. Dr. Alisha Lola Jones to discuss one of the most important women composers of all time, Florence Price. An authority on Price, Dr. Jones tells of Price’s groundbreaking career path that dispelled the overwhelming barriers to a Black, female composing music. We’ll hear the pieces Fantasie Negre performed by Samantha Ege, Feet o’ Jesus performed by Dr. Ollie Watts Davis, and My Soul’s Been Anchored in the Lord performed by Leontyne Price.Support the show (https://classicalmusicindy.org/support-classical-music-indy/)

Angela and Joshua reflect on the inspiring life and work of the brilliant composer Undine Smith Moore.  As a woman living through the time of Jim Crow South, Moore's body of work mirrors the deliberate and intentional evolution of her personal worldview. Our co-hosts spotlight three of her most emotive works including Love Let the Wind Cry performed by Aundi Marie Moore, The Allegro from her Afro-American Suite performed by Kate Steinbeck, Tim Holley, and Dewitt Tipton, and Watch and Pray performed by our very own Angela Brown.Support the show (https://classicalmusicindy.org/support-classical-music-indy/)

Joshua and Angela expound on the life and work of the iconic British composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, focusing on one of his most famous works, the Song of Hiawatha. Excerpts from the Hiawatha Overture punctuate the discussion of Coleridge Taylor’s international career, prolific body of work, and how composers of that era often did not receive fair financial compensation for their work.   Featured tracks: Samuel Coleridge-Taylor -- Hiawatha Overture - YouTube - Performed by the RTE Concert Orchestra and conducted by Adrian LeaperSupport the show (https://classicalmusicindy.org/support-classical-music-indy/)

Angela and Joshua survey the multifaceted life of legendary David Baker. An iconic composer, educator, performer, and native of Indianapolis, Baker is revered globally for his unique ability to traverse the worlds of jazz and classical music deftly and equally. His works Calypso, A Good Assassination Should be Quiet, and Bolling Suite for cello and jazz piano are featured to demonstrate his signature style that continues to be held as a model for classical and jazz composers.Featured Tracks:  A Good Assassination Should Be Quiet - Performed by:  Mary Johnson Letellier, Scott WheatleyBolling Suite for Cello and Jazz Piano Trio - Performed by: Yehuda Hanani, Michael Chertock, James Cammack, Arti DixsonCalypso from Suite for Cello and Jazz Trio -Performed by: Monika Herzig, Pavel Klimashevsky, Dieter Schumacher, Manuel Fischer-DieskauSupport the show (https://classicalmusicindy.org/support-classical-music-indy/)

Joshua and Angela acquaint us with a groundbreaking composer and pianist, Margaret Bonds. Joshua takes us through the life of Margaret Bonds who was at the epicenter of cultural and artistic expression during the turn of the 20th century, collaborating with luminaries Florence Price and Langston Hughes among others. We hear a performance of Bonds’ Montgomery Variations, performed by the University of Connecticut Symphony Orchestra, a stunning example of the composer’s ability to “score” the civil rights movement. Featured music: Montgomery Variations by Margaret Bonds performed by the University of Connecticut Symphony OrchestraSupport the show (https://classicalmusicindy.org/support-classical-music-indy/)

Joshua and Angela discuss the pioneering work of Harry Burleigh, how he directly influenced the sound of American music and paved the way into the traditional classical music space for the Black artists and composers who followed him. We are introduced to one of Burleigh’s non-choral works, Southland Sketches for violin and piano, as well as a rare recording of Burleigh singing Go Down, Moses.Support the show (https://classicalmusicindy.org/support-classical-music-indy/)

Angela and Joshua explore the global and diasporic works of Rosephanye Powell and speak with the artist herself. Our co-hosts discuss Rosephanye’s approach to arranging, how to avoid cultural appropriation while honoring the roots of cultural inspiration, and why presenting a story can help diverse audiences understand music derived from the Negro spiritual. We’ll hear works performed by the Eastman Chorale,  Vocal Essence, and  from the Philander Smith Collegiate Choir. Support the show (https://classicalmusicindy.org/support-classical-music-indy/)

Angela and Joshua explore the depths of the American Negro Spiritual with Dr. Everett McCorvey, noted tenor, conductor, and founder of the American Spiritual Ensemble. They explain how the American Negro Spiritual differs from gospel, its foundational relationship to American music, and how the art form transcended from the cotton fields to concert halls around the world.Support the show (https://classicalmusicindy.org/support-classical-music-indy/)

Joshua introduces Robert Nathaniel Dett, a quintessential Diasporic composer who blended African-American folk music traditions with classic European musical styles to create masterful and unique compositions. A performance by William Chapman Nyaho of Robert Nathaniel Dett's piano suite, In the Bottoms, is showcased to illustrate Robert Nathaniel Dett's prowess as a musical scenescape painter. Support the show (https://classicalmusicindy.org/support-classical-music-indy/)

Joshua and Angela welcome acclaimed and multifaceted performer Ric’key Pageot to the show. He speaks about his recent journey to explore his Haitian heritage and  discovering an impressive trove of classical music inspired from a legacy of Vodou and revolution. They discuss an amazing piece by Haitian born composer Carmen Brouard entitled Baron la Croix. Support the show (https://classicalmusicindy.org/support-classical-music-indy/)

On this episode, Angela enlightens us about a performer she refers to as an “accidental activist.” Marian Anderson was an amazing and groundbreaking performer who used her talents to blaze a trail and help move our country and our world toward a more equitable future. Support the show (https://classicalmusicindy.org/support-classical-music-indy/)