Classical Music In Color

Music About The Fallen. More Firings and Resignations While Promotions Abound.

May 29, 2025/0 Comments/in Classical Music In Color/by Judlyne Lilly

The firings and resignations continue in all parts of the American universe. National Endowment for the Arts grants have been slashed, leaving arts and music organizations scrambling for funds.

With memories of Memorial Day still with us, two new albums have been released honoring the fallen. A Symphony For Vietnam Veterans tells the musical tale about the trauma and some joy in that war. The opera An American Soldier spotlights the suicide of a Chinese American soldier after weeks of daily beatings by members of his own unit.

There’s a quick reminder to all professional women conductors to apply for a competition that’s already considered prestigious: The La Maestra International Competition for Women Conductors.

Harpist Ashley Jackson, DEI Takes A Hit and Two Shows You Don’t Want To Miss.

April 23, 2025/in Classical Music In Color/by Judlyne Lilly

To steal a phrase from a big budget movie franchise:

There is a disturbance in the force.

Many if not all of DEI programs have been cut by the federal government.

Harpist Ashley Jackson has a new album that will soothe your soul.

The Equity Arc Wind Symphony and Words and Music of Black America are two shows you need to see and hear.

A couple of competitions are waiting for your application.

The Thomas Zajac Memorial Scholarship

Lillian and Maurice Barbash J.S. Bach Competition

Loving v. Virginia. An Opera Out of History And On to the Stage

March 10, 2025/in Classical Music In Color/by Judlyne Lilly

A new opera is about to premiere in Virginia called Loving v. Virginia. It tells the true story of an interracial couple who had to go to the Supreme Court to legalize their marriage. Two well-known opera singers were asked to compose and direct. Bass Baritone Damien Geter composed the music and Mezzo Soprano Denyce Graves is directing.

Also on this March 2025 edition of Classical Music In Color. The heartbreaking story of a music camp for BIPOC high school musicians that was shut down by the federal government.

Here are the links to the competitions mentioned in the show.

The Audition Intensive from Sphinx

Video Biennial Open Call

Early Music America Engagement Awards