Classical Excellence

Black History Month provides an opportunity to look at the lives and music of African and Caribbean classical musicians, and introduce their music to new audiences. By Annamarie Ewing

It may come as a surprise to some to learn that musicians of African and Caribbean origin have been playing western classical music for centuries. The Black Classical Musicians project aims to correct the mistaken belief that classical music was only written, performed, understood and enjoyed by Europeans. For over 500 years black musicians have made their mark in the classical world. The Black Classics project reveals how some of these black musicians performed alongside the biggest names in classical music history such as Mozart, Beethoven, Dvorak and Elgar, and had an influence on their music.

At the heart of the project is the website www.BlackClassics.co.uk which includes musician’s biographies, music samples and events, and where music by black classical musicians can be obtained.

For more information see www.BlackClassics.co.uk

BacK: Entertainment