Cracking Classical Music’s Cultural Code with Nkeiru Okoye

In this episode, Angela and Joshua introduce our listening audience to 2021 Guggenheim Fellow, composer, and lyricist, Nkeiru Okoye. As one of the most sought after composers and creative minds of the 21st century, Okoye provides an exuberant account into her musical influences, training, and invaluable approach to scoring Black history as a way to engage, educate, and entertain audiences of the future. 

Featured Music:

• "Nothing but the Grave,"  Harriet Tubman - Nkeiru Okoye, composer - Janinah Burnett, vocalist - Briana Hunter, vocalist - Harlem Chamber Players, string quintet
• "Tribute 1: Shout," Black Bottom Symphony - Nkeiru Okoye, composer - Sumayya Ali, soprano - Charlotte Small-Chestnut, mezzo-soprano - Vincent Davis, tenor - Markel Reed, baritone - Detroit Symphony Orchestra - Thomas Wilkins, conductor
• "A Kiss on the Forehead," Home of My Ancestors - Nkeiru Okoye, composer - Issachah Savage, tenor - Howard Watkins, pianist - Tulsa Opera  

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